An examination of the relationship between parents' digital literacy and media use habits and children's screen addiction

This study examined the effects of parents' digital literacy levels, screen addiction, and digital media usage habits on children's screen addiction, digital media behaviors, and online safety and privacy awareness. The research was conducted online with 355 parents across Türkiye, using a correlational research design. Data were collected through the Demographic Information Form, Digital Media Usage Habits Form, Digital Literacy Scale (DLS), Multiple Screen Addiction Scale (MSAS), and Problematic Media Use Measure (PMUM). Parametric statistical tests were used to analyze the data. Significant differences were found in parents' digital literacy levels based on sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, marital status, and education level. In addition, correlation analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between parents' digital literacy and children's screen addiction, and a significant positive relationship with children's online safety and privacy awareness. Regression analyses showed that parents' screen time and screen addiction significantly predicted children's screen time and addiction levels. The findings indicate that both parents' digital competence and the amount of time they spend on screens have a decisive impact on children's media use behaviors. Parents with higher digital literacy tended to play a more protective role, while prolonged screen time among parents was associated with increased problematic media use in children. In this regard, it can be concluded that enhancing parents' digital skills and raising awareness about media use may provide crucial support in helping children develop healthy media habits. Keywords: screen addiction, digital literacy, online safety, digital media. Date: August, 2025