The Role of Parents in Shaping Children's Exposure to Mature Media

The Role of Parents in Shaping Children's Exposure to Mature Media

As children's screen time increases, so does their exposure to age-independent content, including R-rated movies and violent video games. A new study published inBMC - PediatricsHighlights the crucial role parents play in shaping their children's media consumption.

As children's media consumption increases along with their exposure to mature media content, a new study finds that parental media practices play a key role in shaping preteens' consumption of mature and R-rated films.

The researchers found that parents' own screen habits, such as using screens in front of their children and allowing screens during meals or bedtime, significantly increased preteens' likelihood of engaging with mature media.

Bedroom screen exposure became the strongest predictor of mature media consumption. When children have unrestricted access to screens, especially in the privacy of their bedrooms, it opens the door to disabled exposure to age-independent content. “

Jason M. Nagata, MD,main author, author,Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco

On the other hand, proactive parental monitoring and clear media rules were associated with lower consumption of mature content. Interestingly, the study found that using screen time as a reward was associated with less sophisticated media exposure, while dismissing screens as punishment was associated with greater exposure, which is important in the way parents regulate screen time.

“Our results reinforce the importance of setting clear, consistent rules for media use,” says Nagata. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families create a family media plan to set boundaries and encourage food-free time, especially at mealtimes and bedtimes.”

The study analyzed data from 10,054 children ages 12 to 13 nationwideCognitive Development (ABCD) adolescent brainThe largest long-term study of brain development in the US in a related ABCD study recently found that almost two-thirds of preteens (ages 11-12) have underage social media accounts, even though most platforms are at least 13 years old.

"Given that teens' R-rated film and mature video game consumption have been linked to poor academic performance, mental health struggles, substance use and behavioral problems, this study demonstrates the critical role that parents play in influencing children's screen viewing patterns," says co-author Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, assistant professor at the University's Factors Social person, in the factor of the university of the factor of the university of the factor of the university of the university. “We hope our findings will empower parents with actionable steps they can take to develop healthier screen usage habits for their teens.”

"A key factor in a child's exposure to mature content is how much screen time their parents use," says Nagata. “Children often model their screens after their parents, so a positive example can make a big difference.”

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