The relationship between parental mediation and problematic internet use among adolescents: roles of hiding online behaviors and autonomy

Abstract

Abstract Background In a modern information society, problematic internet use among adolescents poses challenges to family education, and research on the effects of parental mediation has yielded inconsistent findings. To explore the possible pathways underlying these associations, this study examines the relationships between parental mediation (active and restrictive) and adolescents’ problematic internet use, as well as the roles of hiding online behaviors and autonomy. Patients and methods A questionnaire survey was conducted among 539 junior high school students ( M age = 13.38, SD = 0.98) in China through convenience sampling. Results (1) Active parental mediation showed a significant negative association with adolescents’ problematic internet use, whereas restrictive mediation had no significant relationship with it. (2) Hiding online behaviors significantly mediated the relationship between active parental mediation and problematic internet use. (3) Autonomy significantly moderated this mediated relationship. Specifically, the positive association between hiding online behaviors and problematic internet use was weaker among adolescents with higher levels of autonomy. Conclusion In parental mediation of adolescents’ internet use, engaging in active discussions and guidance from parents may be more beneficially associated with adolescents’ online adjustment than relying solely on restrictions. When parents are actively involved, adolescents are less likely to hide their online activities, which in turn was positively associated with problematic internet use. Furthermore, a higher sense of autonomy in adolescents was related to weaker linkages between hiding online behaviors and negative outcomes.