Exploring Factors Related to Problematic Internet Use in Childhood and Adolescence

This study used data from a Korean national survey to identify the relationships between problematic Internet use (PIU) and Internet use and psychological functioning variables in children (n = 1221) and adolescents (n = 3671). Data analysis revealed that the rate of PIU is higher in adolescents than in children and that compared to children, adolescents with PIU use the Internet for longer periods than do those without PIU. Moreover, compared to adolescents, children with PIU have a higher tendency to use the Internet for information, entertainment, and communication than do those without PIU. The degree of depression is higher in individuals with PIU than in those without. Therefore, it was concluded that the moderating effect of age cohorts was only found in the relationships between PIU and Internet use time and purpose. Parental education guidelines for each age group and counseling programs for individuals with PIU are suggested.