Understanding child supervision among South Korean immigrant families: A qualitative phenomenological approach

Introduction: Child supervision impacts the health and well-being of children and families, including for migrants adapting to life in Canada. Their supervisory practices may change during this transition, and influence the mental health, safety, and development of children. Limited research has been conducted on how South Korean immigrant families negotiate child supervision and caregiving in a new country within the last five years, given the transformative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on supervision practices. Methods: This study explores the views and experiences of supervision amongst South Korean immigrant parents and adolescents residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Canada. Individual interviews with fifteen parents and ten adolescents aged 14-17 were conducted. Results: Results highlight the primary role of academic institutions in providing supervision in South Korea, and parents’ high control over children’s activities. In Canada, parents lacked supervision support due to absence of extended family and of trust in their neighbours. Parents and adolescents understood and experienced supervision differently. Parent-child communication was considered an important aspect of supervision, particularly with adolescents. Conclusions: Understanding how South Korean immigrant parents and adolescents make meaning of “child supervision” can help public health professionals, community organizations, and schools to identify necessary support and services to address their needs and challenges.