Os adolescentes e a internet: padrões de (ab)uso

Teens and the internet: patterns of (ab)use

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of Internet use among adolescents in Leiria, exploring the prevalence
of pathological Internet use. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on an anonymous questionnaire completed by pupils
between 12 and 18 years old at seven schools in Leiria, Portugal. The questions addressed: Internet use characteristics and
the application of Young’s Internet Addiction Scale (YIAS). Results: There were 638 validated replies, 57% from girls with an
average age of 15 years old. All the pupils were Internet users, 82% for more than two years (82%). Most (96%) of them
usually accessed the Internet from home, 51% on a daily basis and 58% for more than an hour, with home rules on Internet
use documented in 28%. The primary purpose of accessing the Internet was to socialize. For online communications:
32% reported chatting with strangers and 20% assumed different identities. For online exposure: 89% disclosed their
names, 63% their ages, 67% published photos on social networks and 8% admitted to dates with people they met online.
According to the YIAS, 18% reached borderline Internet use and 1.2% engaged in pathological use. Conclusion: The
teenagers in this study present high-risk online behaviors and alarming Internet usage patterns. Although abusive Internet
use reached a low percentage compared to other countries, there was a signifi cant proportion of borderline use, indicating
an urgent need for preventive measures.