Uso dei Dispositivi Digitali e problemi emotivo-comportamentali: il ruolo delle Pratiche di Mediazione genitoriali

Introduction In this contribution, we aim to analyse the role of parental mediation practices in the relationship between the use of Digital Devices (DD) and children's emotional-behavioural problems, to understand whether children's use of DD may be influenced by temperamental factors or parental relationship patterns. Participants and Method 237 parents of 129 boys (mean age=4.7; SD=1.2) and 108 girls (mean age=4.4; SD=1.4); with a prevalence of responses from mothers (73.9%). The mothers' age ranged from 23 to 53 years (Mean=39.5; SD=5.48), fathers' age ranged from 25 to 64 (Mean=41.6; SD=6.31). All parents completed the Mediation Practices Questionnaire (Valkenburg et al., 1999, adapted into Italian by Mascaro et al., 2023) and the Digital Technology Use Questionnaire (Cannoni et al., 2018). Results Preliminary correlations highlight an influence of solo DD usage time (r=.179**) and usage time with parents (r=.160*) on externalizing problems, as well as an influence of solo usage time on internalizing problems (r=.141*). Similarly, the usage time of DD with parents shows a negative correlation with restrictive mediation practices (r=-.150**), but no correlation with instructive mediation practices. Instructive mediation practices, however, demonstrate a negative correlation (r=-.217**) with externalizing problems. Lastly, social coviewing practice shows a positive correlation with solo DD usage time (r=.156*) and usage time with parents (r=.242**), but not with emotional-behavioural problems. Discussion The results of this study are currently being updated and will be part of a broader model that is under verification. Nevertheless, even at this stage, these data allow for reflections on the role of parental mediation practices. These practices could be considered not only as mediation strategies that parents employ between their children and technology but also, in some cases, as protective factors against the onset of behavioural problems. On the other hand, the hypothesis we find pertinent to verify is whether technology use is linked not so much to parental example but rather to a temperamental disposition oriented towards internalizing aspects. Therefore, individuals with a more withdrawn temperament may prefer the use of digital devices to other activities.