Parental rejection and control: Potential risks for excessive Internet usage among adolescents.

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Digital Health
• Family Studies

Background:

• Internet addiction is a growing concern for adolescents, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Parenting styles within the family environment play a crucial role in adolescent internet usage patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between parent-adolescent dynamics and varying levels of internet usage.
• To identify specific parenting factors associated with both low and excessive internet engagement in teenagers.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 102 adolescents (13-18 years) in Bengaluru, India.
• Utilized socio-demographic tools, Young's Internet Addiction Test, and the Parental Bonding Instrument.
• Assessed adolescent perceptions of parenting dimensions and internet usage levels.

Main Results:

• Approximately 50% of adolescents exhibited mild to severe internet addiction.
• Key risk factors identified: low maternal care, high maternal control, high paternal autonomy, and rejection from both parents.
• No significant links found between internet addiction and demographic, academic, peer, or school factors.

Conclusions:

• The parent-adolescent relationship is a critical moderator of internet usage in adolescents.
• Understanding and addressing parenting dynamics is essential for mitigating adolescent internet addiction.