Date of Award
6-2016
Document Type
Project
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
School of Social Work
First Reader/Committee Chair
McAllister, Carolyn
Abstract
Social media usage for parents has become ubiquitous, as either a form of entertainment or communication with other individuals. However, excessive use of social media has also shown to have effects on parenting; causing parental distraction, decreasing the level of everyday parental engagement, and making a child more likely to be at risk for injury. Studies have shown that frequent eye contact, one on one time, and undivided attention are necessary in building a secure attachment between a parent and child. The research study in question hoped to understand whether there was a correlation between the amount of hours a parent uses social media and any number of parental qualities. Surveys were distributed to parents in various parenting groups and online chatting boards regarding social media usage, number of hours on their devices, and parenting styles. Other questions asked whether their child has ever been injured as a result of their social media usage, and whether a parent shows a strong general bond to their child.
Results from the survey concluded there to be only one statistically significant relationship between any of the social media usage variables and the parenting variables, that is, a positive relationship between hours of social media usage and a high score on authoritarian parenting techniques. Overall however, parents identified more often with a balanced parenting style. Implications of other demographic characteristics are further explored.
Recommended Citation
Ante-Contreras, Denise, "Distracted Parenting: How Social Media Affects Parent-Child Attachment" (2016). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 292.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/292