Parental Roles and Responsibilities in the Use of Multimedia Screen Devices (MSDs) Among Senior High School Students in Marawi City, Philippines

Abstract

Background: The digital behaviors of post-millennial students emphasize the need to examine parental roles in managing Multimedia Screen Devices (MSDs). In Marawi City, where technology significantly shapes daily life, the relationship between parental involvement and students' MSD usage is critical to understanding the effects on students' health and well-being. Objective: This study aims to explore the association between parental roles and senior high school (SHS) students' use of smartphones for internet applications and mobile gaming in Marawi City, focusing on the impact of such usage on students' health and well-being. Methods: A quantitative correlational design investigated how parental roles relate to students' smartphone use. Data were collected from 289 SHS students and their parents through researcher-made surveys, which underwent validity and reliability checks. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson correlation, were applied to assess these relationships. Results: Most students aged 15-18 owned smartphones (95.2%) and used them predominantly for social networking (89%), chatting (82.4%), and web browsing. The study found significant positive correlations between the number of gadgets owned and daily time spent on smartphones with internet browsing. However, no significant correlations were found between parental monitoring or controlling roles and students' internet browsing or gaming behaviors. Conclusion: While parental monitoring and control did not significantly affect students' smartphone behaviors, practical parental guidance is still essential in promoting healthier device use. The study recommends workshops and interventions to enhance communication between parents and students, raising awareness of safe and productive MSD usage.