Parenting and Problematic Internet Use

Problematic Internet use is an emerging concern among adults and adolescents, and research on its impact on parents is still in its early stages. Despite limited literature on this topic, initial studies suggest that parents’ problematic Internet use can have adverse emotional, behavioral, and relational effects on their children. These studies highlight associations between problematic Internet use by mothers and lower quality in mother-child relationships, reduced quality time spent with children, and increased behavioral problems in children. Additionally, physical health concerns, such as being underweight in male infants and a higher potential for child abuse, have been linked to problematic Internet use by mothers. These effects extend into adolescence, with parents’ problematic Internet use predicting negative emotional outcomes in children and increased problematic Internet use in adolescents themselves. Given these findings, clinical approaches should include sessions with parents to understand the motivations behind their problematic Internet use, develop effective strategies for establishing healthier relationships with electronic devices, and promote more assertive parental practices. Therefore, incorporating parents into treatment interventions is essential for mitigating the negative consequences of problematic Internet use on both parents and children. Further research is needed to expand our understanding of this issue and develop more targeted interventions.