Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Jerry Fails (Mentor), Boise State University
Additional Funding Sources
Supported by National Science Foundation Awards #2244596 and #2210082.
Abstract
Children are introduced to technology when they are young, resulting in the need for parents to learn about child-interfacing technologies to ensure their children remain safe while using digital devices. In our research, we investigated parental perspectives of technology platforms and risks as well as how their strategic approaches to mitigate those risks vary based on how much they “trust” their children when using those devices. Our research was conducted using an online survey, initially analyzing data from a previously distributed survey of 99 families (with children ages 6-12), revising the survey instrument, and redistributing the survey to 100 additional families. From those revisions and the initial survey, we found that children predominantly utilize televisions, iPads/tablets, video game consoles, cell phones, and computers for entertainment. Parents’ primary concerns related to their children’s use of these devices are inappropriate content, bullying and abuse, and screen addiction. Our research addresses additional relationships between the platforms and risks. It reveals that parents moderately trust their children's decisions online, but feel that parental controls are necessary to protect their children while allowing them to enjoy the benefits of digital devices and spaces.
Understanding Children's Safety Through Parental Views of Risks and Strategies
Children are introduced to technology when they are young, resulting in the need for parents to learn about child-interfacing technologies to ensure their children remain safe while using digital devices. In our research, we investigated parental perspectives of technology platforms and risks as well as how their strategic approaches to mitigate those risks vary based on how much they “trust” their children when using those devices. Our research was conducted using an online survey, initially analyzing data from a previously distributed survey of 99 families (with children ages 6-12), revising the survey instrument, and redistributing the survey to 100 additional families. From those revisions and the initial survey, we found that children predominantly utilize televisions, iPads/tablets, video game consoles, cell phones, and computers for entertainment. Parents’ primary concerns related to their children’s use of these devices are inappropriate content, bullying and abuse, and screen addiction. Our research addresses additional relationships between the platforms and risks. It reveals that parents moderately trust their children's decisions online, but feel that parental controls are necessary to protect their children while allowing them to enjoy the benefits of digital devices and spaces.