A Review and Content Validation of 10 Measurement Scales for Parental Mediation of Children’s Internet Use

Authors

  • Seffetullah Kuldas National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University
  • Aikaterini Sargioti National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University
  • Tijana Milosevic National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University
  • James O'Higgins Norman National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University

Keywords:

restrictive mediation, enabling mediation, observant mediation, parental mediation, content validity, measurement scale

Abstract

For the last decade, research has shown inconsistent findings about validity of parental mediation scales for children’s Internet use. This inconsistency has manifested itself in at least 10 parental mediation models, which are also inconsistent in contents and definitions, lacking content validity thereof. With the goal of facilitating a consistent framework, this narrative review focuses on the content and factorial validity of 10 measurement scales. A panel of eight experienced researchers in the field of children’s online safety/risks assessed the content validity. Based on this assessment, the present review proposes a trichotomy of restrictive-enabling-observant parental mediation and corresponding conceptual definitions for further research.

Author Biographies

Seffetullah Kuldas, National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University

Dr Seffetullah Kuldas is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre (ABC), Dublin City University. He is currently working on ethnicity-based bullying and victimization, with a particular focus on Roma ethnicity in Ireland and Cyprus. This focus includes ethno-cultural parenting for children’s online safety/risks.

Aikaterini Sargioti, National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University

Aikaterini Sargioti is a Research Assistant with the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University. She is currently working on the FUSE – Anti-Bullying and Online Safety Programme, a whole-school approach, research, and evaluation programme, supported by Facebook. The programme is focused on how students, parents, teachers, and school staff promote online safety among children and adolescents in schools.

Tijana Milosevic, National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University

Dr. Tijana Milosevic is a postdoctoral researcher at the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre (ABC), Dublin City University. Her research interest includes social media policies, internet governance, and digital media use among children and youth. She is a member of the EU Kids Online research network. Tijana is currently the principal investigator on the project: Co-designing with children: A rights-based approach to fighting bullying, funded by Facebook’s Content Policy Grant, which is a collaboration with ADAPT Centre at DCU.

James O'Higgins Norman, National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre, Dublin City University

Prof. James O'Higgins Norman holds the prestigious UNESCO Chair on Tackling Bullying in Schools and Cyberspace and is Director of the National Anti-Bullying Research and Resource Centre (ABC). He is also a member of the Government's Advisory Council for Online Safety. James is currently working on studies about bullying, cyberbullying, and parental involvement in children’s online safety.

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Published

2021-09-10

Issue

Vol. 15 (2021)

Section

Articles

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