Abstract Purpose: The use of digital media by very young children has attracted the interest of many researchers over the last decade. However, very few studies worldwide have focused on the use of digital media by children below 5. Furthermore, the framework of parental mediation that is used to understand the strategies that parents employ to manage their children’s use of digital media is limited to evidence based mainly on studies on TV viewing. As children, even young ones, seem to prefer touchscreen devices, especially tablets, because they are portable, easy to use 24/7, and provide autonomy of choice and use, research on parental mediation strategies for these devices should be conducted. This study aimed at exploring: (a) which type of mediation strategies parents of preschoolage children (3 to 5) employ to manage their children’s digital media use, and (b) the effect of digital media use by parents and parental mediation strategies on children’s digital media use in the context of the modern greek family. Methods: 103 parents of 3-5 year old children from all over Greece participated in this study by completing a questionnaire based on developmentally appropriate tools with good psychometric properties. Results: The results highlighted the decisive role played by Greek parents in shaping the digital experience of very young children. Parents' habits and practices regarding the use of digital devices, both for personal use and as a parenting tool, were found to be the most influential factor in young children's use of digital devices. Implications: This finding has important implications for the formulation of guidelines and policies regarding digital media use by children under 5 years of age.

SUBMITTED: MAY 2022, REVISION SUBMITTED: SEPTEMBER 2022, ACCEPTED: NOVEMBER 2022, REFEREED ANONYMOUSLY, PUBLISHED ONLINE: 1 MARCH 2023