“I wish I knew more than my 15-year-old”: Mother and early adolescent reflections on information communication technologies

ABSTRACT

This qualitative exploratory study used thematic and dyadic analyses to examine the perceptions of nine White mother-early adolescent dyads regarding information communication technology (ICT) use. Using a general thematic analysis, three major themes presented in the data. Mother and early adolescents focused on ideas for good use of ICT, suggestions for parent education, and ideas about safety including a request for trust from early adolescent participants. Data were also analyzed using a dyadic technique to examine overlaps and differences in mother-early adolescent perceptions. The discussion is presented using a symbolic interactionist lens to explore shared and differing meanings related to ICT use between mothers and early adolescents. Suggestions for community and family life educators are included.

KEYWORDS:

• Information communication technology
• Adolescent media use
• Symbolic interactionism
• Qualitative

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).