Online activities offer quick distractions, but can also make it increasingly difficult for young people to quit.A new study, conducted in nine European countries, including by developmental and neuropsychologists at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, investigates why adolescents in particular are vulnerable to this and what the consequences may be for their health and well-being.
Conducted by the international BootStRaP consortium, the study follows more than 2,500 adolescents.
Why adolescents are particularly vulnerable
Adolescents are at an important developmental stage. Their ability to control impulses and set boundaries is still developing. As a result, they are more at risk of losing control over their internet use. This can lead to poorer sleep, less concentration at school, tension in relationships and a negative impact on emotional well-being.
Previous research shows that it is not just about how much time young people spend online, but mainly about why they go online and what the internet means to them. When the internet becomes the main means of dealing with emotions, the likelihood of problematic use increases.
Daily life portrayed
A unique feature of this study is that it does not just rely on retrospective questionnaires. Young people track how they feel and use the internet in their daily lives via a special app. This allows researchers to better see how online behaviour is related to mood, attention and impulse control in the moment.
In addition, young people were actively involved in the study. They thought about the design of the app and shared their own experiences. This ensured an approach that better reflects their living environment and is perceived as fair and safe.
More than limiting screen time
The insights from the study are important for parents, schools and policymakers. Researchers believe that tackling problematic internet use requires more than just limiting screen time. Emotional support, teaching healthy ways to cope with stress and clear daily structures also seem to be essential. This is where the researchers are trying to gain more insight.
The BootStRaP project aims to translate the research findings into practical tools, which will be tested in the next phase of the study. Examples include early identification of young people who are at extra risk and the development of personal strategies to deal with digital media in a healthy way. In the long term, this could contribute to better mental health in young people and reduce healthcare costs in Europe.
The article on the study has been published in the international scientific journal Comprehensive Psychiatry. From VU Amsterdam, involved are: Anja Huizink, Imke Jansen, Anne Marije Kaag and Pim Widdershoven.