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BMC Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Research article

Adolescents exposed to discrimination: are they more prone to excessive internet use?

Authors: Laura Bitto Urbanova, Jana Holubcikova, Andrea Madarasova Geckova, Jitse P. van Dijk, Sijmen A. Reijneveld

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

The Internet may serve as a suitable environment for discriminated adolescents as they may consider the online space as the place where they have possibility to build social ties they are missing in their offline life or manage their self-presentation. Therefore, our aim was to explore the association between different types of discrimination by peers (because of gender, physical appearance, culture/skin color/language, unfavorable family situation) and excessive Internet use (EIU), and whether gender moderates this association.

Methods

We used data from a representative sample of 6,462 Slovak adolescents (mean age: 13.00, 49.6% boys) from the HBSC study conducted in 2018. Data were collected through online self-reported questionnaires. We assessed the association between various types of discrimination by peers and EIU using linear regression, and the role of gender as potential moderator.

Results

Discrimination because of physical appearance was most prevalent (18.0%). Adolescents exposed to discrimination by peers reported higher levels of EIU. We found an interaction of gender on the association of discrimination because unfavorable family situation with EIU. Boys who experienced this type of discrimination were at higher risk of EIU compared to girls.

Conclusion

Discriminated adolescents are more likely to use the Internet excessively, with some associations being stronger for boys than for girls. Prevention strategies focused on raising adolescent awareness of the risks and benefits of the Internet should target discriminated adolescents, especially boys, as they seem to be the vulnerable group.

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Title: Adolescents exposed to discrimination: are they more prone to excessive internet use?
Authors: Laura Bitto Urbanova
Jana Holubcikova
Andrea Madarasova Geckova
Jitse P. van Dijk
Sijmen A. Reijneveld
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-020-02241-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Adolescents exposed to discrimination: are they more prone to excessive internet use?

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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