Digital media in early childhood: a qualitative and longitudinal analysis of maternal practices' foundations

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.42.116.AO05

Abstract

In early childhood, caregivers play a crucial role in children's relationship with digital media. However, it is still necessary to better understand where they base their practices related to this topic. This longitudinal study examined the specific foundations of maternal practices related to digital media, their stability, and changes throughout early childhood, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants included 22 mothers with children aged five to 33 months in the first data collection stage (pre-pandemic), and 32 to 60 months in the second stage (during the pandemic). Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews identified four themes: Information on digital media use in childhood, Seeking alternatives to digital media, Baby/child reactions and behavior, and Mothers' childhood experiences. While the foundations remained consistent, some changes in maternal practices were observed, influenced by child development and the pandemic-related environmental shifts. Results suggest that maternal practices related to digital media are built through an authorial, active, and dynamic process. Practical implications involve improving individualized support from healthcare professionals and schools for mothers, strengthening child care support, and expanding family leisure options.

Keywords: parental care; child development; digital media; COVID-19 pandemic

 

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Author Biographies

Fernanda Martins Marques, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Doutoranda em Psicologia (UFRGS), Mestre em Psicologia (UFRGS), Especialista em Psicoterapia Psicanalítica (Fundação Universitária Mário Martins), Psicóloga (UFRGS). Psicóloga da UFRGS.

Giana Bitencourt Frizzo, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Professora Associada do Instituto de Psicologia e do Pós-graduação em Psicologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Bolsista Produtividade CNPq.

Pós-doutora em Psicologia (UFRGS), Doutora em Psicologia (UFRGS), Mestre em Psicologia do Desenvolvimento (UFRGS), Especialista em Psicologia de Casal e Família (Instituto da Família de Porto Alegre), Psicóloga (UFSM).

 

Published

2024-02-27

How to Cite

Martins Marques, F., & Bitencourt Frizzo, G. (2024). Digital media in early childhood: a qualitative and longitudinal analysis of maternal practices’ foundations . Psicologia Argumento, 42(116). https://doi.org/10.7213/psicolargum.42.116.AO05