Parenting a Toddler in the Era of Pervasive Screens: Interviews with Low-Income Mexican American Parents

Darcy A. Thompson (), Andrea M. Jimenez-Zambrano, Haley Ringwood, Jeanne M. Tschann and Lauren Clark
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Darcy A. Thompson: Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East 17th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
Andrea M. Jimenez-Zambrano: Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12631 East 17th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
Haley Ringwood: Denver Health and Hospital Authority, 777 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204, USA
Jeanne M. Tschann: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
Lauren Clark: School of Nursing, University of California, 700 Tiverton Avenue, Factor Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: Screen media use starts in early childhood, despite recommendations to limit use. This study explored low-income Mexican American mothers’ and fathers’ beliefs, parenting practices, and perceived contextual contributors related to toddler screen use. We conducted interviews with 32 low-income Mexican American parents. Transcripts of audio recordings were analyzed to identify themes. Parents perceived numerous benefits to screen use, including learning and enjoyment, as well as seeing it as a helpful tool for parents. Reported risks included harmful mental and physical effects and a risk of use being all-consuming. Parents managed screen use with a variety of practices, including giving close attention to content, monitoring duration, and engaging in co-use. They also used screens for behavior management and in specific situations, such as to prepare for sleep. Some differences in beliefs and parenting practices exist by screen device type. Parents also reported that contextual factors, such as weather and neighborhood safety, influenced screen use. This study extends the current literature regarding child screen use, with its focus on low-income Mexican American toddlers. The findings offer interventionists and providers insight into the management of screens in the lives of this population.

Keywords: parenting; screen time; digital media; health disparities; qualitative; Latino; Hispanic; behavior management; beliefs; monitoring (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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