Year: 2026 | Month: July-September | Volume: 10 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 27-38
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijash.20260304
A Study to Assess the Awareness Regarding the Effects of Internet Addiction Among Secondary School Students in Selected Schools
Vishakha Ganvir1, Smitha Pandey2, Angela Ellis3, Nilesh Patole4
1Professor, 2Assistant Professor, 3Lecturer, 4Lecturer,
1Department of Child Health Nursing Godavari college of Nursing Jalgaon,
(Maharashtra University of Health Science Nashik) Maharashtra.
Corresponding Author: Smitha Pandey
ABSTRACT
Background: Internet addiction is an emerging public health concern among adolescents due to increased use of smartphones and digital technology. Excessive internet use may adversely affect students' physical, psychological, social, and academic well-being.
Objectives: To assess the level of internet addiction and awareness regarding its effects among secondary school students, determine the relationship between internet addiction and awareness, and identify the association between awareness and selected demographic variables.
Methods: A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive survey design was adopted. The study was conducted among 60 secondary school students selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using the Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS), a structured awareness questionnaire, and a demographic proforma. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The study revealed that 50% of students had a moderate level of internet addiction and 50% had a high level of internet addiction. Regarding awareness, 50% had average awareness and 50% had good awareness. A significant negative correlation was found between internet addiction and awareness (r = –0.57, p < 0.001). Significant associations were observed between awareness and religion, place of residence, and availability of internet at home.
Conclusion: The study concludes that internet addiction is common among secondary school students despite moderate to good awareness of its harmful effects. School-based awareness programmes, parental guidance, and counselling services are recommended to promote responsible internet use and prevent internet addiction.
Keywords: Internet addiction, awareness, adolescents, secondary school students, Compulsive Internet Use Scale.
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