How to improve parenting skills and family bonding?
The growing problem of screen use in adolescence has generated an increased demand for specialized care on this topic in services such as pediatrics, mental health centers, specialized addiction services, institutes, etc.
Some international research shows that the number of hours spent daily using screens has doubled during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic compared to previous estimates (Xuedi Li et al., 2021). In the UK, social media use is linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression, sleep difficulties, poor self-image, and cyberbullying. It is a growing problem , with seven out of ten young people reporting having experienced it (Royal Society for Public Health, 2017).
On the other hand, in Spain, the 2021 Report on Behavioral Addictions from the Ministry of Health reveals that the prevalence of compulsive internet use increased in 2021 (23.5% compared to 20% in 2019), in both sexes and across all age groups. A greater increase in prevalence is observed among girls (28.8% in 2021 and 2.4% in 2019) than among boys (18.4% in 2021 and 16.4% in 2019), and at younger ages. Of the treatments initiated in behavioral addiction units (UAC), the most frequent among people under 18 is video game addiction, accounting for 76% of cases, followed by other digital addictions, at 17%. Family conflicts, financial problems, and health issues are the most frequent associated consequences for both men and women.
The therapeutic approach to this problem often focuses on providing individual care to young people. However, the most motivated and capable individuals for bringing about change are usually family members or friends (Spanish Observatory for Drugs and Addictions. Report on Behavioral Addictions , 2021). Therefore, we can achieve greater effectiveness by complementing individual and family therapy with the participation of mothers and fathers in therapeutic groups.
The prevalence of compulsive internet use has increased in 2021, in both sexes and in all age groups.
Therapeutic groups offer an opportunity to find solutions and overcome limitations, in addition to their greater cost-benefit ratio. The factors that determine the effectiveness of the group are (Yalom, 1996):
- To instill hope.
- Universality.
- Transmit information.
- Altruism.
- Development of socialization techniques.
- Vicarious learning.
- Catharsis.
- Recapitulation of the primary family group.
- Existential factors.
- Interpersonal learning.
- Group cohesion.
Objectives of group support for mothers and fathers
Adopting the conceptual framework of " positive parenting " provides us with a general guide for group support for mothers and fathers, enabling us to choose specific intervention methodologies and conduct targeted assessments. This model defines positive parenting as "parental behaviors based on the best interests of the child, which include nurturing, developing the child's abilities, non-violence, and providing recognition and guidance, including setting limits that allow for the child's full development" ( Recommendation 19 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, 2006).
Consequently, we set as the main objective of these groups to strengthen their parental competence , which is crucial in the development of the adolescent person (Hautmann et al., 2008).
As secondary objectives we propose:
● Improve parenting skills.
● Strengthen bonds and improve the family atmosphere.
● Increase the perception of self-efficacy and self-esteem of the group members.
Recovering from a behavioral addiction
Practical tools to improve parenting skills
Group work can be psychoeducational, focused on prevention, or therapeutic , focused on addressing the present symptom and collaboratively finding solutions. Combining both approaches allows us to cover the wide range of needs and overcome the limitations of each group facilitation model.
Therapeutic groups focus on increasing insight and mentalization. The aim is to promote emotional connection within the safe environment of the group, share experiences, and increase the perception of self-efficacy in managing the child's problems.
We can achieve greater effectiveness if individual and family work is complemented by the participation of mothers and fathers in therapeutic groups.
The psychoeducational approach focuses on improving parenting skills. We offer intervention programs such as PROTEGO (PDS Association, 2017). This is a selective prevention program aimed at mothers and fathers with pre-adolescent and adolescent children, designed to improve parenting skills related to addiction and other problematic behaviors.
PROTEGO proposes to cover the following topics in ten sessions:
- Learn to define change objectives.
- Implement a positive communication style.
- Strengthening family relationships and conflict management.
- Learn to set appropriate rules and limits.
- Improve the emotional bond and protection of sons and daughters.
- Adopt alternative problem-solving strategies.
It is important to complement psychoeducational content with specific resources for managing the effective use of new technologies . Offering concrete and practical answers to current issues and specific technology-related materials increases the group members' sense of self-efficacy and the value of their participation.
We propose the following topics and materials (All of which can be easily obtained on the Internet. See attached bibliography):
- Family digital plans.
- Guides to good practices adapted to each stage of growth on the proper use of technologies.
- Parental control tools.
- Family contracts for the use of devices (mobile phone, tablet, video game console, computer, etc.).
- Knowledge of the most popular apps and video games (Twitch, TikTok, Discord, Roblox, etc.).
- Procedure to follow in risky situations ( cyberbullying , sexting , grooming , online fraud, online gambling, etc.).
Evaluate the group's parenting skills
In group intervention, it is appropriate to assess the participants' prior and subsequent parenting skills during the treatment process. An initial assessment allows us to understand the needs of the group members. This enables us to adapt the content, building upon existing skills and promoting the acquisition or improvement of those that are lacking.
The evaluation at the end of the group intervention will provide us with information on the effectiveness of the treatment carried out, ideas for improvement for future groups, and material for analysis on the factors that have contributed to the changes.
A useful and consistent measurement tool within the positive parenting movement is the Positive Parenting Scale (e2p) . Attachment-based parenting skills are primarily manifested through socio-emotional parenting practices (Bornstein & Putnick, 2012), which are what the e2p scale explores. Attachment-based parenting competence has four components:
- The mindset
- Parental sensitivity
- Emotional warmth
- Parental involvement in the various aspects of children's daily lives.
The Positive Parenting Scale (e2p) is a very simple questionnaire that can be answered by any adult responsible for raising children. Its objective is to identify the practices used when interacting with the children in their care.
In summary, problematic use of digital technologies is increasing among young people worldwide, due to their widespread use in all spheres of daily life.
Parents face the challenge of managing screen time, promoting its benefits and avoiding the associated risks to which their children are vulnerable.
People who already have problematic screen use find it very difficult to recognize the problem and ask for help. Therefore, it is important for families to participate in the therapeutic process, and one way to strengthen this involvement is through their participation in parent support groups. The group provides members with guidance, support, solutions, and encouragement to overcome their own limitations.
For professionals, group therapy offers greater cost-benefit ratios. Combining psychoeducational and therapeutic formats allows for addressing a wider range of needs. It is always recommended to evaluate the group process to observe the impact of the interventions and gather information on areas for improvement.
