Perception towards the effects of internet-based education on adolescents: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: In the era of internet dependency on education, the study aimed to determine the perception of the effects of internet-based education (IBE) among adolescents.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included conveniently selected 140 adolescent students and 60 of their parents from a secondary school located in Sabujbag thana of Dhaka city. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based interview on adolescents’ IBE and its physical, psychological, and social effects.

Results: On average, adolescents and parents were 15 and 42 years old. Parents provided more negative input on physical health such as headache (88.3 vs 65.0%, P<0.01), sleep disruption (76.7 vs. 52.9%, P<0.01), and backache (90.0 vs 44.3%, P<0.01) compared to the adolescents. However, they had similar perceptions about physical activity. Parents showed more concern about the potential loss of motivation and self-discipline (73.3 vs 48.6%, P=0.002). Adolescents were more optimistic about community networking (92.9 vs. 81.7%). The opposite views were expressed by the parents that long screen time undermines societal values (66.7 vs. 15.7%, P<0.001).

Conclusion: Although there were differences between the perceptions of parents and adolescents, IBE was favoured in many instances such as painting/drawing skills, getting updated information, school performance, social skills, and community networking.