Cross-sectional associations between mothers' and fathers' media parenting practices and young children's screen time
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Abstract
This study examined associations between mothers’ and fathers’ media parenting practices and young children’s screen-time. Linear regression using generalized estimating equations was used to examine associations between media parenting practices and children’s weekday and weekend screen-time. Mothers’ screen time modelling, mealtime screen use, and using screens to control behaviour were positively associated with children’s weekday screen time; whereas monitoring screen-time and limit setting were inversely associated with children’s weekday screen-time. Fathers’ mealtime screen use was positively associated with children’s weekday screen-time; whereas fathers’ monitoring screen-time and limit setting were inversely associated with children’s weekday screen-time. Mothers’ modeling, and mothers' and fathers' mealtime screen use were not significantly associated with children’s weekend screen time, and fathers’ use of screens to control behaviour was positively associated with children’s weekend screen-time. Our results suggest interventions aimed at reducing children’s screen-time should address both mothers’ and fathers’ media parenting practices.