An analysis of factors affecting children's media usage regulation skills

Objectives The present study explores critical predictors of children’s media usage regulation skills focusing on the influence of media literacy education, parental monitoring and mediated guidance by caregivers. Methods To investigate the research questions, this study utilized data from the 2023 Children’s Media Usage Survey, administered by the Korea Press Foundation. The dataset was analyzed using SPSS Version 26, employing a suite of statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. Results This study examined differences in children’s media usage regulation skills based on gender, type of educational institution, parental education level, and monthly household income. Although girls(M=3.919) demonstrated slightly higher media usage regulation skills than boys(M=3.896), the difference was not statistically significant. Statistically significant differences were observed across institution types. Children attending kindergartens(M=3.949) and elementary schools(M=3.920) scored higher in media usage regulation skills than those enrolled in daycare centers(M=3.801). Regarding monthly household income, significant differences were found between children from families earning less than KRW 3 million(M=3.750) and those from families earning between KRW 7 million and 9 million(M=4.010), as well as those earning more than KRW 9 million(M=3.992). While children with more highly educated parents tended to show higher levels of media usage regulation skills, the differences were not statistically significant. Finally, regression analysis indicated that children’s age, monthly household income, the degree of simultaneous use of TV and other digital devices, prior experience with media education, parental monitoring, and parental guidance were statistically significant predictors of children’s media usage regulation skills. Conclusions Based on the key findings of the study, policy recommendations were proposed to enhance children's media usage regulation skills, along with suggestions for future research directions.