Abstract Context: Problematic Internet use (PIU) has emerged as a significant health concern among Indian adolescents, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Parenting styles play a crucial role in either exacerbating or protecting against PIU. Aim: This study explored adolescents’ perceptions of Internet parenting styles and their influence on the extent of PIU. Materials and Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The initial quantitative survey included 386 adolescents from two preuniversity colleges in urban Bangalore, and the subsequent qualitative phase involved semistructured interviews among 27 adolescents. Quantitative data were collected using a semistructured sociodemographic questionnaire, Young’s Internet Addiction Test, and the Internet Parenting Styles Instrument, whereas qualitative data were collected using an interview guide. Statistical Analysis Used: Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with IBM SPSS Statistics 29. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, facilitated by NVivo software. Results: The quantitative findings revealed that 71.5% of participants reported mild-to-severe PIU, with most perceiving moderate parental control and warmth and a predominant laissez-faire Internet parenting style. While perceived control was significantly correlated with PIU, warmth showed no significant relationship. The qualitative insights highlighted that adolescents value self-regulation and autonomy in Internet use. Conclusions: The prevalent Internet parenting styles among Indian parents do not sufficiently address PIU among adolescents. The study emphasizes the need for a balanced and well-informed parenting approach that promotes self-regulation skills over strict parental control.
Nannatt et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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