A Web-Based Media Parenting Intervention to Prevent Youth Substance Use

What this Trial Is About

Youth substance use (SU) is linked to many harmful effects, including health problems and risky behaviors. Media often shows substance use, which influences young people to start and continue these behaviors. Researchers are studying how parenting practices can reduce children's exposure to substance use in media and lower their risk of starting SU. This research aims to develop and test a media parenting program specifically designed to prevent youth substance use. The study compares two groups of parents in a randomized trial. One group participates in a web-based program called T.E.C.H. Parenting, where parents learn about talking with their children about media, educating them about risks, co-using media, and setting house rules. This group also receives weekly text messages to encourage practicing these skills. The second group, the control, gets general positive parenting information online without media-specific content but with similar support and communication. Both groups join online discussion boards and have access to a parenting expert in the final week. Parents will be assessed before starting the program, right after the six-week intervention, and three months later. Researchers will collect information about parenting behavior related to media use and evaluate how well the web-based program works and how acceptable it is to families. The study is designed to be flexible and accessible, using technology to support parents in diverse settings over a long follow-up period to measure changes in media parenting behavior.

A Media Parenting Prevention Intervention