A Friend Request from Dear Old Dad: Associations Between Parent–Child Social Networking and Adolescent Outcomes

Keywords

parent-child relationship, social networking, adolescence, prosocial behavior

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between parent–child social networking, connection, and outcomes for adolescents. Participants (491 adolescents and their parents) completed a number of questionnaires on social networking use, feelings of connection, and behavioral outcomes. Social networking with parents was associated with increased connection between parents and adolescents. Feelings of connection then mediated the relationship between social networking with parents and behavioral outcomes, including higher prosocial behavior and lower relational aggression and internalizing behavior. Conversely, adolescent social networking use without parents was associated with negative outcomes, such as increased relational aggression, internalizing behaviors, delinquency, and decreased feelings of connection. These results indicate that although high levels of social networking use may be problematic for some individuals, social networking with parents may potentially strengthen parent–child relationships and then lead to positive outcomes for adolescents.

Original Publication Citation

Coyne, S. M., Padilla-Walker, L. M., Harper, J., Day, R. D., & *Stockdale, L. (2014). A friend request from dear old dad: Associations between parent/child social networking and adolescent outcomes. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 17, 8-13.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014-01-17

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/7740

Publisher

Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Family Life

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

Link to Full Text

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