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Utility of Parental Mediation Model on Youth’s Problematic Online Gaming

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Abstract

The Parental Mediation Model (PMM) was initially designed to regulate children’s attitudes towards the traditional media. In the present era, because of prevalent online media there is a need for similar regulative measures. Spending long hours on social media and playing online games increase the risks of exposure to the negative outcomes of online gaming. This paper initially applied the PMM developed by European Kids Online to (i) test the reliability and validity of this model and (ii) identify the effectiveness of this model in controlling problematic online gaming (POG). The data were collected from 592 participants comprising 296 parents and 296 students of four foreign universities, aged 16 to 22 years in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The study found that the modified model of the five-factor PMM (Technical mediation, Monitoring mediation, Restrictive mediation, Active Mediation of Internet Safety, and Active mediation of Internet Use) functions as a predictor for mitigating POG. The findings suggest the existence of a positive relation between ‘monitoring’ and ‘restrictive’ mediation strategies and exposure to POG while Active Mediation of Internet Safety and Active mediation of Internet use were insignificant predictors. Results showed a higher utility of ‘technical’ strategies by the parents led to less POG. The findings of this study do not support the literature suggesting active mediation is more effective for reducing youth’s risky behaviour. Instead, parents need to apply more technical mediations with their children and adolescents’ Internet use to minimize the negative effects of online gaming.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Educational Studies, Department of Professional Development and Continuing Education, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Rahim Benrazavi

  2. Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Department of Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

    Misha Teimouri

  3. International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division, Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU, UK

    Mark D. Griffiths

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  1. Rahim Benrazavi
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Correspondence to Rahim Benrazavi.

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Benrazavi, R., Teimouri, M. & Griffiths, M.D. Utility of Parental Mediation Model on Youth’s Problematic Online Gaming. Int J Ment Health Addiction 13, 712–727 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-015-9561-2

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