Effects of Parents’ Intention to Provide Smart Media on Children’s Smart Media Overdependence: Focusing on the Dual Mediating Effects of Parents’ Smart Media Mediation and Children’s Self-regulation

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the dual mediating effects of parents’ smart media mediation(active mediation) and children’s self-regulation on the relationship between parents’ intention to provide smart media and children’s smart media overdependence.Methods: Data were collected from 514 parents of 5-year-old children who had previously used smart media. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and partial correlations were analyzed using JASP. Structural equation model(SEM) analysis was conducted using R Studio. Bootstrapping method was used to examine indirect effects.Results: First, parents’ smart media mediation(active mediation) had no partial mediating effect on the relationship between parents’ intention to provide smart media and children’s smart media overdependence. Second, children’s self-regulation had partial mediating effects on the relationship between parents’ intention to provide smart media and children’s smart media overdependence. Finally, parents’ smart media mediation(active mediation) and children’s self-regulation had dual mediating effects on the influence of parents’ intention to provide smart media on children's smart media overdependence.Conclusion: To reduce children’s long-term smart media overdependence, it is necessary to develop selfregulation that allows the independent and active use of smart media. Therefore, parents must determine their intentions to provide smart media to their children, avoid convenience intention, and reinforce their educational intention to provide smart media. Nevertheless, parents should develop self-regulation in their children through appropriate mediation, where they discuss rules, negative situations, and safe use.