Parental mediation of children's Internet use: The influence of established media

While ownership and use of computers is increasing in American homes, concerns over the effects of Internet content on children are high. Literature on parents’ mediation of Internet content is in its early stages, as is parents’ understanding of the medium. This study compares television mediation practices to Internet mediation practices among parents who own both media. The findings indicate that, while mediation is not universal, parents may be applying their TV mediation practices to children's web surfing. The implications of this for mediation and public policy are discussed.