Problematic Internet Use Among Adolescent School Attendees: A School-based Study from Tamil Nadu, India

To investigate the prevalence of problematic internet use (PIU) among adolescents and determine the associated factors contributing to PIU.

In April/May 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents studying in grades 9 to 12 in government and private non-residential schools in Western Tamil Nadu, India. Participants completed a semi-structured questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, behavioral patterns, and internet usage. The Problematic and Risky Internet Use Screening Scale (PRIUSS) was employed to quantify PIU.

Out of 1795 participants, 398 (24.5%) were identified with PIU. Prevalence rates of PIU were similar between adolescents studying in English (n = 189; 25.4%) and Tamil medium (n = 209; 23.7%), with no significant differences based on gender [boys (n = 270, 25.4%) and girls (n = 121, 22.2%)]. Students possessing personal gadgets showed higher PIU [n = 287 (27%) vs n = 111 (20%)]. Specific risk factors for PIU identified students in English medium and scoring below 80% [OR (95% CI) 1.5 (1.1, 2.3); P = 0.029] and those with multiple gadgets at home [1.3 (1.01, 1.7); P = 0.04].

Adolescents have a high prevalence of PIU. Implementing school-based educational programs will mitigate excessive internet usage.