Abstract
Objective:
Misuse of internet can lead to various problems in individuals’ lives. Thus, internet addiction has become an important risk factor for youth. The present study aims to determine the relationship between Turkish adolescents’ problematic internet use and gender, school types, grade, achievement levels, perceived social support from family and friends and weekly average Internet use duration.
Method:
The study was carried out with 307 students enrolled in public high schools in Eskişehir. The data was obtained with Problematic Internet Use Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale and Information Questionnaire.
Results:
The multiple regression analysis showed that the duration of Internet use, grade and school type were signifi cant predictors of problematic internet use.
Discussion:
The fi ndings revealed that the adolescents’ longer duration of internet use, attending junior grades of high school and vocational high schools are important risk factors which are associated with problematic internet use. Taking these factors into consideration can provide signifi cant contributions in the development of effective guidance services and intervention strategies.
Keywords: Adolescent, internet addiction, problematic internet use.
