In Words and Deeds: Parental Involvement and Mediation of Children's Television Viewing

This study examines the influence of global parental involvement in parental mediation of television viewing. Involvement consists of two dimensions: (a) accessibility to children, and (b) engagement in childrearing and shared activities. This survey of 327 parents of school-aged children demonstrates that parents' attitudes toward television, accessibility, parent-child discussions of personal topics, and physical displays of affection each have significant relations to television mediation. In addition, parents' efforts to control or discipline children show marginally significant influences on mediation.