AN EXPLORATION OF GREEK PARENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF EARLY ADOLESCENTS’ SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

Although the impact of social media on early adolescents is a global concern, research on this topic in Greece—particularly from parents’ perspectives—is limited. This study addresses this gap by exploring Greek parents’ views on early adolescents’ social media usage. Using an exploratory, qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 parents in western Greece, and the data were thematically analysed. Our results indicate that while parents acknowledge some benefits of social media, they are concerned about its effects on early adolescents’ behaviour, mental health, academic performance, and linguistic skills. The parents viewed early adolescents as being highly impressionable. They felt unprepared to manage their children’s exposure to social media influences due to a lack of relevant information and education. Understanding these parental perspectives can help guide the development of support services to enhance digital well-being among families.

Keywords:

• social media use,
• early adolescents,
• parents’ perceptions,
• Greece,
• qualitative research