Internet addiction: A prevention action-research intervention

Abstract

Background: Current literature shows number of papers focusing on Internet Addiction (IA). Few authors have dealt with the prevention programme. The aim of this paper is to present an evaluation of an action-research intervention for the prevention of Internet Addiction (IA) in schools. Methods: Applying a pre-experimental research design model, a total of 90 young subjects (45 males and 45 females) were treated using a peer education programme. The Internet Addiction Test was used as a screening tool pre- and post-treatment and analysed using a paired t-test. Results: The results showed a significant positive difference in the post-treatment values for both males and females. Conclusion: The difficulties of IA prevention can be explained by the social legitimacy of the use of new technologies. In addition, IA does not have the same social stigma as other addictions. The absence of shared instruments and diagnostic criteria manifests further difficulties in working in terms of prevention.