How School-Related Internet Use Shapes Teens' Learning, Communication, Academic Stress, Online Behavior: A Qualitative Study.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-2026
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2025.103210
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to describe teens' experiences around school-related internet use, focusing on both benefits and drawbacks within the Problematic Internet Use (PIU) Framework. The PIU Framework describes how risky, excessive, or impulsive internet use affects teens' well-being, including emotional, physical, and social health. We defined school-related internet use as all internet use for academic purposes, whether at school or outside of it.
METHODS: We recruited 51 teens aged 13 to 18 years in a Midwest metropolitan area to participate in 1 of 9 virtual, semi-structured focus groups between August and December 2022. We analyzed focus group transcripts using thematic analysis and a hybrid inductive-deductive approach.
RESULTS: Most teens identified as White non-Hispanic (61%), male sex (51%), and cisgender (90%), representing 33 schools. Four themes emerged regarding the function of teens' school-related internet use as follows: 1) School-related internet is commonly used for multiple academic purposes, at times replacing traditional teaching methods; 2) Easy access to technology increases modes of communication with peers but can impede opportunities for in-person interactions.; 3) School-related internet use can both alleviate and intensify academic stress; 4) School-related internet use can lead to impulsive internet behavior and overuse, which may result in impairment.
CONCLUSIONS: Teens reported school-related internet use is ubiquitous and affects well-being. Clinicians can help teens and families understand these effects and devise strategies to minimize negative effects and optimize benefits. Future research should explore how individual, family, and school practices can support a school-related internet environment for teens to flourish.
Journal Title
Acad Pediatr
Volume
26
Issue
3
First Page
103210
Last Page
103210
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Adolescent; Male; Female; Internet Use; Qualitative Research; Stress, Psychological; Focus Groups; Adolescent Behavior; Schools; Communication; Learning; Internet
PubMed ID
41435913
Keywords
academic productivity; digital media; school; sleep
Recommended Citation
Milkovich LM, Carlson JA, Chertoff K, Randell KA. How School-Related Internet Use Shapes Teens' Learning, Communication, Academic Stress, Online Behavior: A Qualitative Study. Acad Pediatr. 2026;26(3):103210. doi:10.1016/j.acap.2025.103210
COinS
Comments
Grants and funding