Systematic Review: Digital Parenting, Internet Addiction, and Nomophobia in Children and Adolescents

Introduction: The rapid integration of digital technology into the lives of children and adolescents has significantly transformed family dynamics and parenting approaches, raising critical concerns about internet addiction and nomophobia-the fear of being without a mobile device. Methods: This systematic review synthesizes evidence from studies published between ۲۰۱۹ and ۲۰۲۴, retrieved via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. It focuses on the impact of digital parenting strategies on internet addiction and nomophobia among individuals aged ۶-۱۸. Of the ۱۱۰ identified articles, ۱۴ met the inclusion criteria, examining parenting practices, internet use behaviors, and associated psychological outcomes. Results: The findings indicate that structured digital parenting-encompassing consistent supervision, guidance, and transparent communication protects against maladaptive internet use. In contrast, permissive or inconsistent approaches correlate with higher addiction risk. Internet addiction in adolescents is strongly associated with academic decline, emotional disturbances, and social withdrawal, with key predictors including insufficient parental oversight, peer pressure, and preexisting psychological vulnerabilities; interventions that actively involve parents in prevention and treatment yield the most significant benefits. Nomophobia rates have risen sharply, particularly after the COVID-۱۹ pandemic, paralleling increased smartphone and internet consumption, and are closely linked to internet addiction patterns; children and adolescents who experience minimal parental guidance and spend prolonged unsupervised time online appear most vulnerable. Conclusion: The reviewed literature emphasizes that educational programs targeting parents and young people, and systematic screening for problematic technology use in schools and healthcare settings, can mitigate harmful outcomes. Furthermore, cultural considerations, levels of technological literacy, and family structure variations must be integrated into intervention design to ensure relevance and effectiveness. Digital parenting represents a dynamic, evolving framework that must adapt alongside technological advancements. Equipping parents with the skills to establish clear usage rules, promote healthy digital behaviors, and maintain open, trust-based communication can substantially reduce the prevalence and impact of internet addiction and nomophobia in pediatric populations, safeguarding future generations' mental health, academic performance, and social well-being.