1,2,3,4,5Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, India.
6N.K.T. College of Education, Chennai, India
The rapid expansion of digital technology has significantly influenced adolescents' behavioural patterns, resulting in growing concerns related to excessive internet use and its psychological consequences. This study examines the relationship between Internet Addiction and Parenting Style on the Mental Health of XI standard students. The research employed a descriptive survey method, with a stratified sample of 1,000 higher secondary students from schools within Thiruvallur district. Standardised tools were used for data collection, including the Internet Addiction Inventory, Parenting Style Scale and Mental Health Scale, supported by a personal data sheet to capture demographic variables. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, Multiple Regression and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The findings revealed that Internet Addiction and Parenting Style significantly predict Mental Health, and their components together discriminate students across low, average and high mental health levels. Significant differences were observed in mental health and parenting style based on gender, locality, medium of instruction, school type and socio-economic status, whereas no significant differences were noted in internet addiction across most demographic categories. SEM validation confirmed strong linear relationships among the selected variables. The study concludes that supportive parenting styles contribute to better mental health, while higher internet addiction levels are associated with poorer psychological well-being. The findings recommend school-based mental health interventions, digital literacy, teacher involvement and parental awareness initiatives to enhance adolescent resilience and responsible technology use.
Keywords: NA
How to cite this article: Usha Nandhini R, Thangam A, Nagaraja KS, Rengaraj M, Ismail Kalilulah S, Janani M. Interrelationship between Internet Addiction, Parenting Style and Mental Health among Higher Secondary Learners. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(15s): 759-771. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.15s.85
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None