Teen Opinions of the Influence of Parent Technology Usage on Teen Technology Usage
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative study is to examine teens’ opinions of the influence their parents’ technology practices have on teens’ technology practices. There is an absence of research in the area of parental influence over teens’ technology practices (Ito, 2010; Yu, 2012). In this study, the influence of their parents’ technology practices is evident in the teens’ statements, however, teens do not recognize this in their relationship with their parents. Qualitative data were collected using a researcher developed questionnaire and through focus groups. Teens discussed their parents’ lack of interest in their technology practices. They stated their parents do not care what they do with technology and then described a new device their parents recently purchased for them and how their parents’ helped them with technology for a recent school project. They mentioned positive and negative discussions they have with their parents regarding technology.