High risk internet behaviors and psychosocial well-being among Greek preadolescents
https://doi.org/10.54088/678j
Keywords:
Compulsive Internet Use Scale – CIUS; Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire – SDQ; pre adolescents; psychosocial difficulties; Digital skills education.Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Nowadays the Internet has become an integral part of adolescents’ lives. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between compulsive Internet use of pre-adolescents in Greece and their psychosocial well-being.
MATERIALS - METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was applied. The study population (N=655) consisted of a random sample of adolescents attending Years 5 and 6 in primary schools located in Athens, Greece. Self-completed questionnaires were distributed, pertaining to internet access characteristics based on the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) Also, socio-demographic variables were applied. Furthermore, teachers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) related to their students’ psychosocial well-being.
RESULTS: The results presented that 6th graders, boys and adolescents, who were not born in Greece, had significantly higher CIUS scores. On the other hand, greater CIUS scores were observed in students who had started using the Internet in a younger age, were members of SNS and played games online. Overall, compulsive Internet Use was positively correlated with emotional and conduct problems of pre-adolescents, along with hyperactivity scores on the SDQ.
DISCUSSION: The results have implications about an association between Compulsive Internet Use of pre-adolescents in Greece and psychosocial difficulties. The results appear to suggest the importance of formulating early preventive public health policies that concentrate on enhancing students’ communication skills, self-regulation and healthy life habits.
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