Assessing the relationship between pediatric media guidance and media use in American families

Objective. American parents were surveyed to isolate demographic factors that predict reliance on a pediatrician, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), or both for media guidance. We then investigated whether reliance on these resources resulted in different media practices with children. Methods. A nationally representative survey was conducted (n = 1454). Parents were asked what medical professionals they relied on for advice and reported relevant home media practices related to their child. Results. In all, 29% reported relying on their pediatrician, 24.9% said that they relied on the AAP, and 14.9% of all parents said they relied on both. Those following the AAP’s media guidelines were more likely to prohibit bedroom television and to follow all guidelines. Conclusions. The relatively low reliance on the AAP and pediatricians for media guidance suggest that more outreach is necessary. However, parents who report relying on the AAP for advice are more likely to enact these recommendations.