Abstract

Over the past year, issues surrounding “children and screens” have intensified both in Québec and internationally. While this topic is often addressed in the media and political discourse as a monolithic issue, this thesis focuses on a specific aspect: how francophone parents in Québec
regulate their children’s smartphone use within the household. The primary aim is to explore the strategies employed by parents to mediate smartphone usage, including the specific approaches they use and the goals behind these strategies. This research draws on interviews with parents of first-time smartphone users who have recently integrated smartphones into their households, as well as a Google search analysis of queries related to parental concerns about smartphone regulation. The findings reveal the multifaceted nature of parental mediation, highlighting the importance of digital media literacy in modern parenting. Gendered patterns also emerged, with mothers more likely to engage in online research, reflecting the emotional labor associated with parenting and concerns over children’s media consumption. Through this study, I contribute to a nuanced understanding of how parents navigate the complexities of digital regulation within the québécois family.