JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In this digital age, children have started using the internet since early childhood. Multiple studies highlighted that young children (under 12 years old) are vulnerable to internet addiction due to personal limitations and social influence (e.g., family and school environment). Internet addiction can have long-term harmful effects on children’s mental, physical, and social well-being. The high prevalence and risks of this problem in young children have raised questions about how best to prevent this problem in vulnerable populations like them.

Objective:

This review study aimed to explore and discuss the existing interventions and future directions to prevent or reduce the risks of internet addiction in young children under 12 years old.

Methods:

The systematic review was conducted under the PRISMA guidelines. We searched for relevant literature from four research databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and PsycINFO). We included 14 primary studies discussing the interventions to prevent or reduce internet addiction risks in young children and their efficacy outcomes.

Results:

The preventive interventions were categorized into four approaches based on their work mechanisms: 1) children’s education, 2) parenting strategy, 3) strategic physical activity, and 4) counseling. Ten interventions showed promising efficacy in preventing or reducing internet addiction risks in young children with small-to-medium effect sizes. Preventive interventions that enhance children’s competencies in having appropriate digital behavior and literacy were more likely to have better efficacy than interventions that force children to reduce screen time. Interventions that shift children’s focus from online activities to real-world activities also showed promise in reducing children’s engagement with the internet, thereby preventing addictive behavior. We also identified the strengths and limitations of each approach as valuable considerations in developing future interventions.

Conclusions:

The findings suggest the need to develop more sustainable and accessible interventions in educating healthy internet use, providing appropriate parenting strategies, and suggesting substitution activities to reduce online activities. The use of digital tools and the involvement of children’s stakeholders are encouraged to improve the capability, efficiency, and accessibility of the intervention. Future studies must pay attention to the appropriateness of the intervention with family conditions and provide adequate training to implement the intervention as intended. Product developers and policymakers can also contribute by developing product design guidelines to minimize internet addiction risks. Clinical Trial: NA