Parental mediation and the use of social networks: A systematic review.

Abstract

Social networks are used daily by almost all adolescents and young people. They are used extensively, and their positive aspects are well-known, but they present multiple risks. Parents' mediation (PM) in their children's use of social networks (SNs) to prevent numerous problems has been recently researched. This systematic review analyzed works published since 2012 about online PM strategies concerning the use of SNs by children/adolescents aged between 9 and 18 years old. Following the PRISMA protocol, this review was submitted to Prospero (ID: CRD42022345033), five electronic databases were examined (WOS, SCOPUS, ERIC, ProQuest Psychology, and PubMed), and to assess the risk of bias the ROBIS tool was used. 32 papers were selected. The results indicate that PM strategies (especially the restrictive strategies over the enabling ones) effectively reduce the time spent on SNs and their associated risks. However, it is unclear whether one type of strategy is more effective or whether a combination of the different strategies, depending on the problem to be addressed, is most effective. Finally, no studies have been found that have analyzed the relationship between PM strategies and the benefits associated with the use of SNs. Possible lines of action for future programs and research are proposed.