A Peer-Led School-Based Intervention for Safer Internet Use Among Primary School Students: A Controlled Pre-Post...

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Digital Media Studies
• Public Health Interventions

Background:

• Problematic internet use is linked to psychosocial vulnerability in youth.
• Preventive interventions for late childhood digital engagement are limited.
• Adolescent digital behaviors require early intervention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine changes in internet-related behaviors following a school-based intervention.
• To assess the impact of peer-led digital literacy training on youth.
• To evaluate early preventive measures for excessive digital engagement.

Main Methods:

• Controlled pre-post design with 235 fifth and sixth graders.
• Intervention group received peer-led digital literacy and facilitation training.
• Internet behaviors (social networking, device use, gaming, compulsive use) assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant reductions in social networking time, device use frequency, and gaming in the intervention group (p < .001).
• No significant changes observed in the control group.
• Small to moderate effect sizes noted for behavioral changes.

Conclusions:

• Peer-led interventions are a feasible strategy for primary school settings.
• Early preventive approaches can promote healthier digital engagement patterns.
• Structured training can effectively modify youth internet behaviors.