Mapping Parental Motivations and Concerns Regarding Smartphone Use in Early Childhood: A Scoping Review

The increasing use of smartphones among young children has raised concerns about developmental outcomes and digital parenting. While prior research has focused on parental perceptions and mediation strategies, less attention has been given to parents’ motivations for allowing smartphone use. Understanding these motivations is essential for developing effective digital parenting strategies and public health interventions. This scoping review, guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework, examined parental motivations for smartphone use in early childhood. Literature from six databases (2014–2025) and grey sources was systematically reviewed, with screening and analysis conducted using Rayyan.ai. Of 796 records, 41 studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on parents of children aged 3–6 years. Three key motivation domains emerged: educational purposes, practical needs (e.g., occupying or calming children), and balancing benefits and risks through regulation. These findings emphasize the importance of parental intent in supporting appropriate technology use and promoting children’s well-being in the digital age.