Parenting guidelines have consistently emphasized the parental role in reducing problematic media use among children and adolescents. However, inconsistent past findings were found in the relationship between parental mediation and problematic media use.

 

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the relationship between parental mediation (restrictive-, active-, and co-using mediation) and problematic media use. A total of 41 studies were retrieved and reviewed from three online databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO/CINAHL). The initial analysis summarizes the relationships between parental mediation and problematic media use. Subsequent subgroup analyses revealed more complex relationships between parental mediation and problematic media use. The methodological considerations for future studies are further discussed.