Family Conflict is Associated with Increased Risk of Problematic Digital Media Use in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review with Narrative Synthesis

Family conflict encompasses hostility, emotional dysregulation, and tension in parent–child and interparental relationships. Emerging evidence suggests that family conflict may contribute to problematic digital media use. However, no prior review has systematically synthesized the evidence on this association and its underlying psychological pathways. This narrative systematic review integrates existing empirical evidence on family conflict and problematic digital media use and reports a consistent positive association: in all 20 included studies, higher levels of family conflict were associated with increased risk of problematic digital media use. The synthesis identified three psychological pathways through which family conflict may contribute to problematic digital media use: emotional distress, self-concept disruption, and social-interpersonal disruptions. Conversely, strong self-control, secure peer attachments, and positive school climate serve as protective factors. These findings highlight family and ecological factors in problematic digital media use, suggesting that family-based prevention may promote healthier digital engagement in children and adolescents.