Abstract

The study investigated the relationship among parenting styles, technology exposure, and behavioral outcomes in early adolescents across Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, data were collected from 450 adolescents aged 10–14 years through structured questionnaires measuring parenting styles, screen time, parental mediation, and behavioral adjustment. Descriptive analyses showed that respondents averaged 4.6 hours of daily screen time, with authoritative parenting being the most prevalent style. Correlation results indicated that screen time negatively associated with behavioral outcomes, while authoritative parenting demonstrated strong positive relationships with academic engagement, social competence, and attention regulation. Regression analysis revealed that authoritative parenting (β = .41) significantly predicted positive behavioral outcomes, whereas authoritarian (β = –.14) and permissive/neglectful parenting (β = –.21) predicted poorer adjustment. Screen time emerged as a strong negative predictor (β = –.38), but parental mediation partly reduced its detrimental effects. Cross-city comparisons showed that Lagos adolescents had the highest screen exposure and lowest behavioral scores. Overall, findings emphasized the need for integrated family-based interventions promoting responsible technology use and positive parenting. The study contributed empirical insights into the interaction between digital engagement and parenting behaviors in shaping adolescent development.