Parental perspectives on children’s screen use: Exploring impact, challenges, and support needs - A qualitative study

Background Like adults, many children and adolescents spend several hours each day engaged in screen-based activities. This has raised concerns among adults, and the consequences of screen use are the subject of intense research and public debate. Despite growing research interest, there is currently a lack of evidence-based interventions available to families experiencing negative consequences related to their child’s screen use. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ perceptions of the consequences of their children’s screen use, as well as the type of support they seek in response. Design and Methods Through collaboration with schools in a medium-sized Swedish city, eleven participants with children aged 12–17 were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results The analysis resulted in three main themes: Consequences of children’s screen use , A problem for the whole society , and Need of support on family and individual level , along with a total of nine subthemes. Conclusion Our conclusion is that, according to parents, screen use among children is a complex phenomenon that calls for broad and systemic responses. While consequences for the child are primarily observed at the microsystem level—affecting relationships, health, and development—parents also express expectations for change at higher societal levels. Taken together, our findings underscore the need for multi-level interventions that combine structural measures with accessible, family-oriented support strategies aimed at promoting healthy digital habits in children and adolescents.