Back-and-forth conversation during parent-child co-use of an educational app game

Parent-child back-and-forth conversation is recognized as important for early development. Accordingly, child media use guidelines encourage parents to co-use media, including mobile media, with children. However, information on the types of conversational interactions that occur during co-use of apps, and the best ways for parents to encourage back-and-forth conversation in this context, is lacking. This study described parent-child conversational turns and explored parent verbal behaviours in relation to the frequency of conversational turns in a sample of 44 parent and preschool-aged child dyads, who were videotaped co-using an educational app. Observed conversational turns most frequently involved simple naming or exchanges about app procedures, and rarely included expanded or distanced talk. Parent reflections of the app narration and content-related talk were positively related to conversational turns, while praises and directiveness were negatively related. Results suggest the need for a nuanced approach to guiding parents to make the most of co-use interactions.