Parental Concerns about Children’s Smartphone Use: From Personal Misuse to Societal Impacts
摘要
The widespread use of smartphones among children has raised concerns due to potential physical, psychological, and social risks. Understanding parental perceptions is essential for promoting responsible digital practices. This study explores the concerns of parents regarding their children’s smartphone use within a specific socio-cultural context. Data were collected in 2024 through an online questionnaire distributed to families in the Basque Country, northern Spain, a region with high smartphone penetration and early digital exposure among children. A total of 615 parents of children aged 6–12 participated, providing open-ended responses about their worries. The Reinert method was applied to analyze these discourses, identifying six main areas of concern. Five of these focus on children’s misuse of smartphones, including problematic use of social networks, exposure to inappropriate content, lack of digital skills, family conflicts, and reduced outdoor play. The sixth area addresses parental responsibility, with many parents acknowledging difficulties in regulating their children’s use and expressing a need for better information and support. The findings highlight the importance of early and constructive family dialogue about smartphone use, even before children own their own devices. Moreover, the study emphasizes the need for collaborative strategies involving schools, institutions, and communities to support families in managing this challenge. By situating the study in its regional context, these results provide valuable insights into how local factors influence parental concerns. Overall, the research underscores the necessity of collective efforts to empower families and safeguard children’s well-being in an increasingly digital society.