Effects of a nurse-led play-based internet addiction prevention program in early adolescents: A randomized controlled study

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a play-based program on internet addiction severity, daily internet usage, and game-playing duration among early adolescents. Methods: The study employed a pretest-posttest randomized controlled design. Data were collected using the Adolescent Information Form, Internet Addiction Test, and Follow-up Form. The intervention group received a nurse-led play-based program, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Results: Before the program, the IAT scores, daily internet usage, and daily digital game playing time of the groups were similar. After the program, early adolescents' IAT scores, daily internet use, and daily digital game playing time were found to be significantly lower than the pre-program and control groups. Conclusion: A nurse-led play-based program can be used for school-based prevention of internet addiction. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions on early adolescents at different stages.