Peer-reviewed article
Parental Communication in the Digital Age: Internet Use, Parent–Child Interaction, and Child Well-Being in Türkiye
Zeynep Turhan, Sinan ACAR, Rabia Canbakış, Nuray Kızılçay, Seçil Özak Doğan ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined how internet use affects parent-child communication and relationships in Türkiye through interviews with 21 parents of young children. Researchers found that parents use different communication patterns to manage their children's digital exposure, balancing risks and opportunities. The study identifies conversation and conformity-oriented communication as important for building children's digital resilience. The findings aim to help parents, educators, and policymakers support healthier family interactions in digital environments.
Key points
- Three key themes emerged: navigating internet risks, parental regulation strategies, and fostering digital resilience
- Conversation-oriented communication patterns play a critical role in shaping children's digital resilience
- Conformity-oriented communication patterns also influence children's well-being in digital contexts
- Parents employ various strategies to regulate children's technology use
- Both challenges and opportunities exist in internet-based technologies for family interaction
Limitations
This is a small qualitative study with 21 parents from Türkiye, so findings may not be generalizable to other countries or larger populations. The study does not measure child outcomes directly or compare interventions, limiting understanding of which specific parental strategies most effectively improve child well-being.
Abstract
Abstract As digital technologies become increasingly embedded in family life, their impact on parent-child interactions, family dynamics, and relational quality warrants deeper exploration. This study investigates how Internet-based technologies shape parental communication patterns and influence the quality of parent-child relationships in Türkiye. Employing a qualitative research design, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with 21 parents (13 mothers and 8 fathers) of children aged 2–12 years. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (a) Navigating the risks associated with Internet-based technologies, (b) Parental strategies for regulating children’s technology use, and (c) Fostering resilience and recovery through digital parenting practices. Findings suggest that conversation- and conformity-oriented communication patterns play a critical role in shaping children’s digital resilience and well-being. By highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by Internet-based technologies, this study provides valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers aiming to foster healthier family interactions in an increasingly digital world.