Study finds that being online with no sleep or exercise is linked to increased risk of missing school, reports ET HealthWorld

A recent study conducted in Finland has found a link between excessive internet use and school absences among teenagers. The research, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, revealed that spending too much time online can lead to teens giving up essential activities like eating, sleeping, and exercising, ultimately heightening the risk of school absence. Girls were found to be more vulnerable to excessive internet use than boys, possibly due to their increased use of social media.

The study, which analyzed data from over 86,000 adolescents aged 14-16, highlighted the importance of factors such as getting the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep, engaging in physical activity, and having a trusting relationship with parents in mitigating the risks associated with excessive internet use. The research team from the University of Helsinki found that girls were 96% more likely to use the internet excessively compared to boys, who were 79% more likely to do so.

Moreover, the study revealed that good relations with parents, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity significantly reduced the risk of truancy and school absence due to medical reasons. However, as an observational study, a cause-and-effect relationship could not be definitively established by the researchers.

The findings underscore the importance of monitoring and addressing excessive internet use among teenagers, especially in the context of school health and well-being services. Professionals working with students who exhibit signs of school absences should take into consideration the potential impact of excessive internet use on their attendance and overall health.