Parenting Styles, Parenting Stress and Hours Spent Online as Predictors of Child Internet Addiction Among Children with Autism.

This Singapore study looked at what might lead to internet addiction in children with autism. Researchers found that three main factors predict internet problems: how stressed parents feel about autism, how much time children spend online, and harsh parenting approaches. Surprisingly, positive parenting didn't seem to make a difference. The study suggests that supporting parents to manage their stress and monitor screen time could help prevent internet addiction in autistic children.

This cross-sectional study examined predictors of internet addiction in 59 children with ASD aged 6-14 years in Singapore. Researchers assessed relationships between hours spent online, parenting styles (positive and negative), autism-related parental stress, and child internet addiction scores. The study found that three factors—hours online, negative parenting, and autism parental stress—together explained 54.8% of variance in internet addiction scores. Autism parental stress was the strongest predictor (25.3% of variance), followed by time online (23.5%) and negative parenting (6%).

Positive parenting showed no significant association. These findings highlight the complex interplay between family dynamics and technology use in autistic children.

Findings suggest interventions should prioritize parental stress reduction and screen time management. Clinicians should assess autism-related parental stress as a risk factor for internet addiction. Family-centered approaches addressing parenting stress may be more effective than focusing solely on positive parenting strategies for preventing problematic internet use.

Small sample size (59 participants) limits generalizability. Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Study limited to Singapore population. Abstract doesn't specify measurement tools used or control for potential confounding variables. Gender distribution and specific autism characteristics of children not detailed.

The current study examined the association between hours spent online (HOS), positive parenting, negative parenting, autism parental stress and Internet addiction among Singapore based boys and girls (aged 6 to 14 years old) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research participants included 59 parents (41 females and 18 males) aged between 28 and 74 years old (mean age 37.95). Results indicated HOS, negative parenting and autism parenting stress predicted 54.8% of the total variance in Child Internet Addiction scores of children with ASD. Autism parental stress was the most significant predictor explaining 25.3% of the total variance with time spent online explaining another 23.5% and negative parenting predicted 6%.

Positive parenting was not found to be significant. The findings reinforce the importance of according greater consideration for the role of parents when working with such children.