Digital Media Consumption in India’s Digital Economy: Associations Between Parenting Styles and Social Media Mediation Strategies

The world is witnessing an unprecedented surge in children’s exposure to digital technologies across socioeconomic segments. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for parents, who must navigate the complex interplay between traditional parenting norms and the demands of digital mediation. This study examines the association between general parenting styles and the adoption of digital mediation strategies. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from three hundred and seven parents in four major Indian cities. Using validated scales, correspondence analysis was performed to examine the relationship between parenting styles and mediation strategies. The findings indicate a significant association between general parenting styles and predominant digital mediation strategies. Authoritative parenting was most frequently associated with authoritarian surveillance in the present sample, whereas authoritarian parenting was primarily associated with restrictive mediation and non-intrusive inspection. No respondent was classified as predominantly permissive under the adopted classification procedure. The aggregate level of social media mediation did not differ significantly across education, household income, number of children, or caregiver-related characteristics. The findings provide insights into the evolving landscape of digital parenting in India and highlight the potential value of initiatives that support parents in navigating children’s digital engagement. It bridges a vital research gap by situating digital parenting within India’s sociocultural environment and contributes to the broader theoretical discourse on digital parenting.