Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: High levels of internet use and impairments of internet abuse make adolescence a fertile period to study IAD. The present study evaluated association between internet addiction and academic performance among school children. Materials and methods: 350 school children of 12th class of both genders were recruited. Parameters such as internet usage was assessed using Young’s internet addiction test (IAT) was used to determine presence of internet addiction. The IAT is a five-point Likert scale, with scores ranging from 20 to 100. Threetypes of internet-user groups were identified in accordance with the original scheme ofYoung: Internet Addicts, Possible Internet Addicts (PIA), and Non-Addicts(NA). Results: Out of 350 students, 210 were females and 140 were males. 80 were from PCM, 100 from PCB, 170 belonged to Arts/Humanities and 70 commerce. Type of school attended was public in 200 and private in 150. Out of 350 patients, 120 students were non internet addicts (NIA), 155 students were found to be possible internet addicts (PIA) and 75 were found to be internet addicts. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).35% internet addicts, 5% non- addicts a5 possible addicts scored 56% possible addicts scored less than 60% and 65% internet addicts, 95% non- addicts and 44% scored more than 60% addicts. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of internet addiction among school children which affected their academia performance as well.