Policy Recommendations for Preventing Problematic Internet Use in Schools: A Qualitative Study of Parental Perspectives

Problematic social media use in childhood and adolescence

At the time of writing, about 4.59 billion people use social media with many adolescents using their social media accounts across a myriad of applications and platforms. According to recent statistics, in 2022 individuals spent an average of 151 minutes on social media each day, illustrating the global relevance of social media (Dixon, 2022a,b). One of the pressing questions, internationally, is whether social media use is harmful and/or addictive. This question is of particular importance because many teenagers - and younger adolescents - spend considerable time on these platforms, which have increasingly become an integral part of their lives. Moreover, considering lifespan development, adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to specific features and advertisements shown to them on social media platforms. Growing prevalence of poor mental health in young people has led to recent recommendations in the United States to routinely screen for anxiety in 8-18 year olds, and for depression and suicide risk for adolescents between 12-18 years of age (US Preventive Services Task Force et al., 2022 a,b) - the conditions often accompanying problematic social media use. The present work not only provides insights into the current state of the literature but provides also recommendations.

Internet Addiction Management: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Interventions and Modalities

Internet addiction is a pervasive and complex issue that has gained increasing attention in the digital age. This comprehensive review provides an in-depth exploration of clinical interventions and modalities for managing internet addiction. It begins by examining the diagnostic criteria and assessment tools used to identify internet addiction, highlighting the diverse subtypes and varying degrees of severity. Subsequently, the review delves into various clinical interventions, including psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions. Pharmacological interventions, technology-based tools, and integrative approaches are also thoroughly analyzed. The review also outlines various treatment settings and modalities such as inpatient treatment centers, outpatient clinics, telehealth, support groups, and prevention programs for schools and communities. Furthermore, it discusses the efficacy and challenges associated with managing internet addiction, emphasizing the need for effective interventions, relapse prevention, ethical considerations, and addressing stigma and access barriers. In conclusion, the review offers practical implications for clinical practice. It emphasizes future research's importance in refining diagnostic criteria, exploring emerging technologies, and adapting interventions to an ever-evolving digital landscape. This comprehensive review is a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking to understand and address the complexities of internet addiction.

Psychopathology in virtual education for primary school students in the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 virus continues to be an international concern, challenging psychological resilience in all areas, especially virtual education, making the psychopathology and problems more evident.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study is a qualitative study of conventional content analysis, in which 24 participants (14 parents, 5 teachers, and 5 principals) were selected by purposive sampling from primary schools in Zahedan. Data collection tools included semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Interviews continued until reaching data saturation. The transcripts of the interviews were coded according to Graneheim and Lundman's 5-step approach, and then, the codes were classified according to the specified axes. For accuracy and exactness of information, the researchers used the criteria of validity, verifiability, reliability, and transferability.

RESULTS

The results of this study include two categories, "e-learning infrastructure" and "psychopathology," indicating the importance of creating, using, and strengthening cyberspace infrastructure for the use of education in primary schools during COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that identifying these cases and attempting to eliminate them can reduce psychopathology and improve the quality of virtual education for students. Moreover, this can help principals and educational planners have new insights so that they can focus on solving psychological problems in e-learning and provide their supportive planning.