Study finds parents' screen habits shape kids' media exposure

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A new study published in BMC Pediatrics highlights the significant role parents play in shaping their children's media consumption, particularly when it comes to exposure to mature content such as R-rated movies and violent video games.¹

The study found that parents’ screen habits, including using screens in front of their children and allowing screen use during meals or bedtime, increased the likelihood of preteens engaging with age-inappropriate media.¹

“Bedroom screen use emerged as the strongest predictor of mature media consumption,” said lead author Jason M. Nagata, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco. “When children have unrestricted access to screens, particularly in the privacy of their bedrooms, it opens the door to unchecked exposure to age-inappropriate content.”¹

The research, which analyzed data from 10,054 children ages 12-13 years in the nationwide Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, found that proactive parental monitoring and clear media rules were linked to lower consumption of mature content.²

It also revealed that using screen time as a reward was associated with less exposure to mature content, whereas taking screens away as a punishment was linked to greater exposure.²

Findings from the study showed that parental allowance of bedroom screen use increased the likelihood of watching R-rated movies (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.36–1.53) and playing mature-rated video games (AOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.36–1.52).²

Similarly, allowing screen use during family mealtimes was associated with higher consumption of R-rated movies (AOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.13–1.25) and mature video games (AOR 1.26, 95% CI 1.19–1.32).²

Conversely, parental monitoring and limiting screen time were linked to lower odds of preteens engaging with mature content, with monitoring reducing R-rated movie watching (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.77–0.85) and mature game play (AOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.77–0.86).²

“Our findings reinforce the importance of setting clear, consistent rules around media use,” Nagata said. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that families create a family media plan to set limits and encourage screen-free time, especially at meals and bedtime.”¹

A related ABCD study recently found that nearly two-thirds of preteens (ages 11-12 years) have underage social media accounts, despite most platforms requiring users to be at least 13.¹

“Given that R-rated movie and mature video game consumption by teens has been linked to poor academic performance, mental health struggles, substance use, and behavioral issues, this study reveals the critical role that parents play in influencing children’s screen use patterns,” said co-author Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “We hope our findings will empower parents by providing actionable steps they can take to help their teens develop healthier screen use habits.”¹

Nagata emphasized that parental screen habits also impact children’s media choices. “One key factor in a child’s exposure to mature content is how much screen time their parents use,” he said. “Children often model their screen habits after their parents, so setting a positive example can make a big difference.”¹

References

1. University of Toronto. How parents can protect children from mature and adult content. Eurekalert. February 5, 2025. Accessed February 6, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1072583

2. Nagata JM, Paul A, Yen F, et al. Associations between media parenting practices and early adolescent screen use. Pediatr Res. 2025;97(1):403-410. doi:10.1038/s41390-024-03243-y