Identification of Risk Groups Among Primary School Pupils in Slovakia and the Czech Republic: Creating Effective Preventive Measures in Relation to Technological Addictions

Michaela Šavrnochová, Angela Almašiová, Matej Almáši, Ladislav Vaska, Mirek Barták, Roman Gabrhelík, Benjamín Petruželka, Jaroslav Vacek

Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: The study aims to identify risk groups among primary school pupils in Slovakia and the Czech Republic for the purpose of creating effective preventive measures in relation to technological addictions. THEORETICAL BASE: In our study, which identifies these groups, we use the research and theory of addiction by M. Griffiths. METHODS: The research tool was based on an original questionnaire consisting of customized questions, as well as the Excessive Internet Use Scale. The statistical method of classification trees was used to identify risk groups. OUTCOMES: The risk factors of using the Internet and playing computer games were identified for Slovak respondents: the number of hours per day spent on the Internet or playing computer games and passive leisure time; for Czech respondents: the style of playing computers games, the number of hours per day spent on the Internet or playing computer games, gender, passive leisure time and parental control. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The findings can be used to design effective prevention programs for children and adolescents at risk of internet and computer game addiction, as well as for parents and other professionals involved in eliminating risk factors at all three levels of prevention.

Keywords:
information and communication technologies, technology addictions, excessive internet use, excessive computer game playing, risk groups, prevention