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Open AccessArticle
Decoding the Generational Digital Divide: Profiles and Predictors of Grandparents’ Attitudes Toward Young Children’s Technology Use
1
Shanghai Institute of Early Childhood Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
2
Department of Teaching and Learning, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
3
School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Behav. Sci. 2026, 16(5), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050832 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 3 April 2026
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Revised: 17 May 2026
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Accepted: 20 May 2026
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Published: 21 May 2026
Abstract
In today’s digital age, child-rearing presents unique challenges that extend across generations, impacting both parenting and grandparenting. This study investigated patterns of grandparents’ attitudes toward their grandchildren’s technology use and identified key predictors of these patterns. Utilizing latent profile analysis (LPA) with a sample of 712 grandparents from Shanghai, China, the research identified four distinct attitudinal profiles: positively supportive, cautiously observant, low-involvement reserved, highly concerned and restrictive. Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that the age of the grandparent, sibling status, and the frequency of communication between grandparents and parents were significant predictors of profile membership. The findings indicate that grandparents’ attitudes toward their grandchildren’s technology use reflect a combination of acceptance and concern. This study underscores the need for further research and educational supports to help grandparents develop perspectives informed by an evidence base, thereby strengthening guidance strategies for young children’s digital engagement.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Luo, W.; He, H.; Berson, I.R.; Berson, M.J.; Wang, Z.
Decoding the Generational Digital Divide: Profiles and Predictors of Grandparents’ Attitudes Toward Young Children’s Technology Use. Behav. Sci. 2026, 16, 832.
https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050832
AMA Style
Luo W, He H, Berson IR, Berson MJ, Wang Z.
Decoding the Generational Digital Divide: Profiles and Predictors of Grandparents’ Attitudes Toward Young Children’s Technology Use. Behavioral Sciences. 2026; 16(5):832.
https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050832
Chicago/Turabian Style
Luo, Wenwei, Huihua He, Ilene R. Berson, Michael J. Berson, and Zhiying Wang.
2026. "Decoding the Generational Digital Divide: Profiles and Predictors of Grandparents’ Attitudes Toward Young Children’s Technology Use" Behavioral Sciences 16, no. 5: 832.
https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050832
APA Style
Luo, W., He, H., Berson, I. R., Berson, M. J., & Wang, Z.
(2026). Decoding the Generational Digital Divide: Profiles and Predictors of Grandparents’ Attitudes Toward Young Children’s Technology Use. Behavioral Sciences, 16(5), 832.
https://doi.org/10.3390/bs16050832
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