Gendered mediation of children’s internet use: A keyhole for looking into changing socialization practices

Abstract

This study focuses on parental mediation of children’s internet use in the context of broader gendered socialization patterns. Analyses were carried out in three steps using quantitative and qualitative methods. Firstly, based on EU Kids Online survey data, gendered patterns in parental mediation across European countries were explored. Secondly, detailed analysis of mediation practices in Estonia, one country in the EU Kids Online survey, was carried out. As the last step, data from two focus group interviews were used for in-depth analysis of Estonian mothers’ everyday practices of mediating their children’s internet use. Quantitative analysis revealed significant correlations between the number of gender differences in parental mediation, and country-level variables of internet penetration and gender equality. In Estonia, as a country with low gender equality, but high internet use, mediation strategies do not depend purely on children’s gender, but on a more complex interrelation of gender and children’s and parents’ socio-demographic characteristics and parent-child interactions. This finding was supported and explained by qualitative analysis, showing that Estonian mothers’ methods for mediating boys’ and girls’ internet use differ in several aspects, reflecting the broader context of changing socialization practices, gender norms, and the generation gap in using digital technologies.

The Buffering Effect of Parental Mediation in the Relationship between Adolescents' Cyberbullying Victimisation and Adjustment Difficulties

“…Such support might invite parents to discuss strategies to mitigate or reduce exposure to the risks associated with digital media use (Wright, ). Furthermore, adolescents might seek out support and guidance from their parents regarding the content that they are exposed to via digital media, and the likelihood of seeking out this support might increase when they experience technical problems or uncomfortable situations when utilising digital media (Nikken and de Haan, ; Talves and Kalmus, ).…”

Parental mediation, cyber victimization, adjustment difficulties, and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

“…Experiencing a negative online situation, even one that is somewhat minor, might lead adolescents to seek out support and guidance from their parents regarding what they experienced. When it comes to technical problems or extremely problematic online experiences, adolescents might especially seek out the support of their parents (Nikken & de Haan, 2015;Talves & Kalmus, 2015). Parents should recognize the supportive role that they have in adolescents' digital media use, and how they can help to offset cyberbullying victimization and negative adjustment difficulties.…”

“…On the other hand, instructive mediation involves parents who openly discuss online experiences with their children. During these conversations, parents discuss cyberbullying and strategies for mitigating online risks (Mesch, 2009;Nikken & de Haan, 2015;Talves & Kalmus, 2015). Children whose parents utilize instructive mediation might learn to avoid problematic online experiences and if they encounter such experiences they are prepared to deal with it effectively.…”

Mediation of young children’s digital technology use: The parents’ perspective

“…The previous research on the styles of parental mediation was mostly carried out among families with children 9 years old and older (i.e., Haddon, 2015;Talves & Kalmus, 2015). Research on families with younger children is more scarce.…”