Left-behind Children: Saudi Parents' Addiction to Internet and Its Impact on Parent-child Attachment

Abstract

Background: The contemporary study purpose was to examine the influence of internet addiction on Saudi parents and their children attachment through applying Use and Gratification Theory (UGT). The analysis of data studies the association between variables that may relate to parents Internet overuse and these included (parental levels of education, age, monthly income, types of employment, children's age and parental statues) and how these variables impact on the family quality of time. Methodology: A random sample of parents (n=284) from the city of Mecca was agreed to recruited. Parental questionnaire was used to measure parents' levels of social media addiction and in what way this influence parent-child attachment. Results: The findings generated from this study revealed the importance of create healthy and positive balance between parents' time spent online and their responsibility to spend quality of time with their young children. Mothers were reported to be more addicted to Internet as they experienced ongoing exposure to social media compared to fathers, therefore young children seemed to have a great risk of neglect. Conclusions/significance: Saudi parents' addition to Internet appeared to negative impact the quality of relationships and interactions with their young children, which in turn affected on their emotional health and well-being.