The Impact of Digitalisation on Slovenian Primary School Students in Eighth Grade

Society is rapidly moving towards a digitalised future, encouraged by national and European guidelines and strategies. Use of computers, tablets and smartphones is not reserved only for adults: adolescents use them extensively for schoolwork and leisure activities. Although Internet use has many advantages, some students use it extensively in a way that harms them. The Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire used in a nationally representative sample of Slovenian primary school students in the eighth grade showed that one-quarter of them were problematic Internet users. Comparison of problematic and nonproblematic Internet users in the eighth grade showed different patterns of spending their free time: screen time prevailed in the first group. Problematic Internet users showed statistically significant lower levels of self-control in comparison with nonproblematic Internet users; they also reported a less favorable relationship with their parents. Evidence from abroad show that problematic Internet users among students are less successful at school. Career prospects of problematic Internet users are smaller, where discipline and self-control is expected. Adolescents need help in recognizing harmful effects of modern digital technologies and in learning to control their time spent on the Internet.