Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Communication, Allameh Tabatabaei University/ Tehran/ Iran
2 MA in Cultural & Media Studies, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Extended Abstract
The widespread use of mobile phones and their easy accessibility in the daily lives of Iranian families have brought about significant transformations in parenting styles. This study aims to examine the quality of interpersonal communication between parents and children under the age of ten and to analyze digital parenting styles, drawing on communication theories and Yalda Tehraniyan's model of parenting styles. Data were collected through a qualitative approach using focus groups and interviews with urban and rural parents. The findings indicate that parents' dependence on mobile phones reduces face-to-face interaction time with children and disrupts parental communication roles in the "drone parenting" and "helicopter parenting" styles. In contrast, in the "media mother and digital father" style, although mobile phone use at home is common, guiding children toward functional uses of mobile phones partially mitigates the negative effects. The results highlight the necessity of rethinking current parenting styles and developing context-specific strategies to moderate the impact of mobile phones on intra-family relationships.
Introduction
Smart technologies—particularly mobile phones—are among the most influential factors transforming human relationships and family lifestyles. The dominance of mobile phones and their integration with the internet have blurred the boundary between private and public spaces, shaping the quality of parent-child relationships. Numerous studies show that parental distraction caused by continuous mobile phone use reduces verbal and non-verbal communication with children, leading to notable educational and psychological consequences.
In Iran, the sharp rise in mobile phone penetration and the extensive use of mobile devices by both parents and children further underscore the importance of examining the "quality of interpersonal communication." Reports indicate that the average daily effective interaction among family members has dropped to approximately 30 minutes, with some studies suggesting a decline to as little as 15 minutes. The diminishing emotional and interpersonal connection within families in the presence of constant mobile phone use has become a critical concern.
Accordingly, this study investigates the influence of mobile phones on digital parenting styles and parent-child relationships among children under ten—a group in a crucial stage of emotional and social development.
Materials and Methods
This research is qualitative and descriptive in nature. The study population consisted of parents with children under ten who regularly use smartphones. A purposive sampling method was employed, selecting participants based on criteria such as accessibility, willingness to participate, and relevant lived experience.
Data collection tools included a focus group of ten parents (either father or mother) and semi-structured interviews with five parents of both genders conducted in family settings. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The data were transcribed, coded, categorized, and analyzed. The interview questions focused on five thematic areas: the role of mobile phones within the family, children's exposure to mobile phones, parental control versus permissiveness, parents' dependence on mobile phones, and the impact of mobile phone use on emotional and interpersonal relationships.
The theoretical framework relied on media dependency theory and Tehraniyan's digital parenting style models.
Discussion and Results
The analysis revealed three dominant patterns of digital parenting in Iranian families:
Drone Parenting Style:
Parents exhibit high dependency on mobile phones, leaving the child unattended for extended periods. Children spend long hours engaged with mobile devices, parental supervision is minimal or absent, interpersonal communication sharply declines, and children often experience a form of "media-induced loneliness." This style was the most prevalent among the participating families and was associated with the greatest disruption in parent-child emotional relationships.
Helicopter Parenting Style:
Parents impose excessive monitoring; children lack media autonomy, and all consumed content is fully controlled. Despite strict supervision, emotional and face-to-face communication remains insufficient. This style was observed in families concerned about digital risks but unable to strike a healthy balance between supervision and emotional connection.
Media-Mother and Digital-Father Style:
Parents actively use mobile phones themselves but attempt to guide children toward "useful and functional" mobile engagement. The father provides moderate supervision without strictness, and the mother is less dependent on mobile phones but does not impose significant restrictions either. Occasional conflicts arise due to excessive mobile phone use. Compared to the other two styles, this pattern is less harmful and has the potential to evolve into a more effective model.
Derived Indicators from Data Analysis
The study identified the following indicators:
Decline in Parent-Child Interpersonal Communication:
Parents engage less in verbal and non-verbal interaction when using mobile phones. Some children reported feelings of being "ignored."
Redefined Role of Mobile Phones in Children's Learning:
Mobile-based learning, virtual classes, and school communication have become common. Some rural mothers viewed educational use as an essential opportunity.
Increased Child Dependency on Mobile Phones:
Some children, even as young as two, displayed a strong interest in watching videos. Parents often hand over mobile phones to calm their children.
Educational Conflicts Due to Children's Media Consumption:
Parents expressed dissatisfaction with prolonged mobile phone use by children. Disagreements between parents over acceptable usage limits emerged as a source of family tension.
Role Conflict Among Parents in Mobile Phone Use:
Many parents did not model responsible media use themselves, and part of the family's shared time was lost to parental "endless scrolling".
Heightened Individualism Within the Family:
Decline in group conversations, increased solitary engagement, and reduced shared playtime.
Conclusion
The findings demonstrate that mobile phones, beyond being communication tools, have become determinant factors in shaping parenting styles in Iranian families. The "drone" and "helicopter" styles have the most damaging effects on parent-child relationships, as they either leave the child unattended or impose excessive control while diminishing genuine emotional interaction. The "media mother and digital father" style, though not free of challenges, has the potential to evolve into a more balanced approach through modification and parental education.
The study underscores the need to rethink parenting styles, emphasizing that families must establish a balance between media use and face-to-face communication. Further localized research on media and family dynamics is necessary, and promoting healthy media practices should be incorporated into public education. Ultimately, mobile phones are neither inherent threats nor complete allies to the family; rather, it is the quality of parental media use and attention to interpersonal communication that determines children's emotional well-being in the digital age.
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