Good Technology Requires a Good Environment: The Role of Parenting Practices in Adolescent Internet Addiction

Studies over the past decade have shown that Internet Addiction (IA), can impact adolescents’ health across physical, mental, and social domains. While extensive research has explored adolescents' vulnerability to IA, the role of parental influence through communication and discipline requires further examination. This study investigates the influence of parenting practices on IA among adolescents in the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Participants included 236 parents of adolescents aged 12 to 15 from GCC countries. Data were collected via a digital survey, which included the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire-Short Form (APQ-SF) to measure three facets of parenting practices: positive parenting, inconsistent discipline, and poor supervision. The survey also collected participants’ demographics, their children's internet addiction levels, and the frequency of arguments about the children's technology usage. The findings indicated that inconsistent discipline significantly predicts higher IA levels in adolescents, while positive parenting predicts lower IA levels. Poor supervision did not correlate with IA. Notably, the frequency of serious arguments over Internet overuse fully mediated the relationship between positive parenting and IA among adolescents. Furthermore, the effect of inconsistent discipline on IA among adolescents was partially mediated by the frequency of serious arguments over Internet overuse. The findings highlight the family environment's significant role in adolescents' IA and underscore the need for family-centered approaches to address this issue. Addressing underrepresented populations in psychological research is crucial for developing responsive Information Technology (IT) interventions. Digital parenting tools should enhance family environments by promoting positive parenting practices, establishing consistent disciplinary strategies, and incorporating joint goal-setting. Additionally, joint real-time monitoring can facilitate mutual understanding of progress, improving adherence to these strategies and fostering a supportive environment for adolescents.