Longitudinal patterns of digital parenting restrictions and adolescent screen use: Insights from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Digital parenting restrictions are widely used to manage adolescent screen use, yet it is unclear how strongly these strategies are associated with screen time as children age and gain autonomy. This study examined longitudinal patterns of digital parenting restrictions and their relationship to adolescent screen time using self-reported and passive measures. Data came from Years 3-5 of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (n = 8,089). Latent Transition Analysis identified Low, Moderate, and High Restriction profiles from 14 Parent Screen Time Questionnaire items. Linear mixed-effects models tested associations between profiles and screen use outcomes (self-reported screen time, self-reported smartphone use, passive smartphone use from the ABCD-EARS app, and smartphone keystroke activity). Interaction terms examined age effects. Gradient boosting (XGBoost) identified the most influential parenting practices. High and Moderate Restriction profiles were linked to lower screen use across all measures. Compared to the Low Restriction group, High Restriction participants reported 56 fewer daily minutes of screen time (p < 0.0008) and logged 286 fewer daily keystrokes (p < 0.0008). A significant interaction (β = 13.0; 95% CI: 7.9, 18.2) indicated that the effect of high restriction diminished with age. Machine learning highlighted bedroom device access (e.g., screens playing at bedtime, mobile devices in bed) as the strongest predictor of higher screen time. Greater parenting restrictions were associated with lower adolescent screen time, although these associations appeared to weaken as adolescents gained independence. Limiting device access in the bedroom may represent a potentially useful strategy for moderating screen use and promoting healthier digital habits.
Source: PLOS Digital Health
Institution: Oregon Health & Science University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,043
Awards: 9/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U MICHIGAN, 20/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT VCU, 3/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U MINNESOTA, 4/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT FIU, 7/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT YALE, 17/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT UCLA, 15/21 ABCD-USA Consortium: Research Project Site at LIBR, 16/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER, 8/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT CHLA, ABCD-USA Consortium: Coordinating Center, 6/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT OHSU, 10/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT SRI, 12/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U PITTSBURGH, 19/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT UVM, 1/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT U UTAH, 11/21 ABCD-USA Consortium: Research Project Site at UWM, ABCD-USA Consortium: Data Analysis, Informatics and Resource Center, 21/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT WUSTL, 13/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT MUSC, 5/21 ABCD-USA Consortium: Research Project Site at UC San Diego, 18/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, 2/21 ABCD-USA CONSORTIUM: RESEARCH PROJECT SITE AT UMB, 14/21 ABCD-USA Consortium: Research Project Site at CU Boulder
OpenAlex ID: W4416774204