In recent years, the popularity of video games has grown exponentially, particularly among children and adolescents. As a result, concerns have been raised about the potential negative effects of violent video games (VVGs) on children’s behaviour and development. Parental mediation strategies have been identified as an effective means of mitigating these negative effects. In the context of Saudi families, the Islamic religion is a central factor that shapes family life and parenting practices. Additionally, the social environment in which Saudi families live, particularly those residing outside of Saudi Arabia, may differ from the social environment in Saudi Arabia, which could impact parental mediation practices. However, the existing research on parental mediation strategies related to VVGs is limited, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabian families. In addition, the role of religion in parental mediation strategies related to VVGs has not been explored in depth. Therefore, this study aims to address this gap in the literature by exploring the parental mediation strategies that Saudi parents use in the context of their children’s VVG play, and how these strategies are influenced by factors related to the broader Saudi environment, including the Islamic religion and the external factors related to the social environment of Saudi families living in Australia. To achieve this aim, this study employs Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Model. This ecological model provides a framework for understanding the decisions parents make regarding the mediation of their children’s VVG playing and the interplay between individual, family, and broader environmental factorsthat shape parental mediation practices. Through a qualitative multi-case study design, this study explores the interactions between 10 to 12-year-old children and their parents in five Saudi families, including parents and their children (n = 14), living in the city of Sydney, Australia, with a particular focus on parental mediation strategies employed by these families to mediate their children’s VVG play. The study draws on data collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, observations, and parent journals. The research findings revealed that the Islamic religion directly impacted Saudi parents’ and children’s awareness of VVG content. However, Saudi parents allowed their children to play VVGs, despite this being contrary to Islamic beliefs. The findings also showed that VVG playing provided benefits by supporting the relationships within and outside of families. VVGs addressed immediate imperatives in Saudi families’ lives, including the maintaining of relationships, culture, and Arabic language. While exploring the various facets of Video game play, it becomes evident that parental involvement significantly contributes to positive outcomes in 10-12 children's game playing. The thesis highlights the constructive influence of parental mediation, elucidating how it fosters cognitive development, social skills, and creativity in children engaged in digital play. By actively participating in and guiding their children's digital experiences. Equally important is the role of parental mediation in mitigating potential negative outcomes associated with digital play. This includes addressing concerns such as excessive screen time, exposure to inappropriate content, and potential social and emotional challenges. Restrictive mediation and the setting of rules were identified as the most common mediation strategies used by parents. However, parents often broke these rules due to career pressures and the Covid-19 lockdown. This research identified that contextual factors and the dynamic of the families played a large part in how parents distributed parenting roles. The study discusses the implications of these findings and provides recommendations for effectively mediating children’s use of VVGs in Saudi families residing overseas.
Violent video gaming among Saudi children aged 10–12 years in Australia: parental mediation strategies
Alzahrani, U. M. (Author). 2023
Western Sydney University thesis: Doctoral thesis