Improve communication and positive interactions in the family

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 134 views

Introduction

The rapid growth of the internet has led to an increase in the use of technology among adolescents, which can have both positive and negative effects on their mental health and well-being. Problematic internet use (PIU) has become a significant concern among parents, educators, and mental health practitioners, as it can lead to various negative consequences, including social isolation, decreased academic performance, and increased risk of mental health problems. Recent studies have shown that family functioning plays a crucial role in determining how adolescents interact with the internet. This article aims to discuss the influence of family functioning on problematic internet use in adolescents in Medan City.

Background

Medan City, located in the province of North Sumatra, Indonesia, is a rapidly growing urban area with a high population density. The city has experienced significant economic growth, which has led to an increase in the use of technology among its residents, including adolescents. However, this growth has also led to concerns about the negative effects of excessive internet use on the mental health and well-being of adolescents.

Methodology

This study involved 280 teenagers from Medan City who were selected using a stratified random sampling method. The participants were between the ages of 13 and 18 and were from various socio-economic backgrounds. The study used quantitative methods to collect and analyze data, including the Family Assessment Device (FAD) developed by Epstein (2005) and the Generalized Problematic Internet Use Scale 2 (GPIUS2) by Caplan (2010). The FAD is a widely used instrument to assess family functioning, while the GPIUS2 is a validated scale to measure problematic internet use.

Results

The results of this study indicate a negative influence between family function and problematic internet use, where the significance value is below 0.05. This means that family functioning has a significant impact on the use of the internet among adolescents. The study found that family function contributed 13% in influencing the use of problematic internet among adolescents. This suggests that although not the only factor, the dynamics of the family play an important role in determining how healthy teenagers interact with cyberspace.

Discussion

The findings of this study have several implications for parents, educators, and mental health practitioners. First, improving communication and positive interactions in the family can be the first step to reduce the use of excessive internet among teenagers. Families that have quality time together, as well as openness to discuss various issues, including the use of the internet, tend to create a healthier environment for their young members.

Second, it is essential for educators and mental health practitioners to provide education to parents about the importance of family function. Programs that educate parents about how to interact and support their children in the use of technology can help in reducing problems that may arise due to excessive internet use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of family functioning in determining how adolescents interact with the internet. The findings suggest that families that have a positive and supportive environment can help reduce the use of excessive internet among teenagers. By understanding the effect of family functioning on problematic internet use, we can take proactive steps in supporting adolescent development. Encouraging families to create a positive and supportive environment can have a big impact on the mental health and welfare of adolescents, and help them avoid problems related to the use of the internet.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improve communication and positive interactions in the family: Parents and caregivers should make an effort to improve communication and positive interactions in the family. This can be achieved by spending quality time together, discussing various issues, and creating a supportive environment.
Provide education to parents about family function: Educators and mental health practitioners should provide education to parents about the importance of family function. This can be achieved through programs that educate parents about how to interact and support their children in the use of technology.
Encourage families to create a positive and supportive environment: Families should be encouraged to create a positive and supportive environment that promotes healthy interactions with the internet. This can be achieved by setting boundaries, monitoring internet use, and providing guidance on how to use technology responsibly.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be acknowledged. First, the study only involved adolescents from Medan City, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations. Second, the study used a quantitative method, which may not capture the complexity of family functioning and problematic internet use. Future studies should use a mixed-methods approach to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between family functioning and problematic internet use.

Future Directions

This study highlights the need for further research on the relationship between family functioning and problematic internet use. Future studies should investigate the following:

The impact of family functioning on other aspects of adolescent development: Future studies should investigate the impact of family functioning on other aspects of adolescent development, such as academic performance, social relationships, and mental health.
The effectiveness of programs that educate parents about family function: Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of programs that educate parents about family function in reducing problematic internet use among adolescents.
The role of technology in promoting healthy interactions with the internet: Future studies should investigate the role of technology in promoting healthy interactions with the internet, such as the use of parental control software and online resources that provide guidance on how to use technology responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Family Functioning on Problematic Internet Use in Adolescents in Medan City =============================================================================================

Q: What is the main finding of this study?

A: The main finding of this study is that family functioning has a significant influence on the use of problematic internet among adolescents in Medan City. The study found that family function contributed 13% in influencing the use of problematic internet among adolescents.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of family functioning in determining how adolescents interact with the internet. The findings suggest that families that have a positive and supportive environment can help reduce the use of excessive internet among teenagers.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that parents, educators, and mental health practitioners should take proactive steps to support adolescent development. This can be achieved by improving communication and positive interactions in the family, providing education to parents about family function, and encouraging families to create a positive and supportive environment.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it only involved adolescents from Medan City, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other populations. The study also used a quantitative method, which may not capture the complexity of family functioning and problematic internet use.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are:

Improve communication and positive interactions in the family: Parents and caregivers should make an effort to improve communication and positive interactions in the family. This can be achieved by spending quality time together, discussing various issues, and creating a supportive environment.
Provide education to parents about family function: Educators and mental health practitioners should provide education to parents about the importance of family function. This can be achieved through programs that educate parents about how to interact and support their children in the use of technology.
Encourage families to create a positive and supportive environment: Families should be encouraged to create a positive and supportive environment that promotes healthy interactions with the internet. This can be achieved by setting boundaries, monitoring internet use, and providing guidance on how to use technology responsibly.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study are:

The impact of family functioning on other aspects of adolescent development: Future studies should investigate the impact of family functioning on other aspects of adolescent development, such as academic performance, social relationships, and mental health.
The effectiveness of programs that educate parents about family function: Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of programs that educate parents about family function in reducing problematic internet use among adolescents.
The role of technology in promoting healthy interactions with the internet: Future studies should investigate the role of technology in promoting healthy interactions with the internet, such as the use of parental control software and online resources that provide guidance on how to use technology responsibly.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study are:

Development of programs that promote healthy family functioning: The findings of this study can be used to develop programs that promote healthy family functioning and reduce problematic internet use among adolescents.
Education and training for parents and caregivers: The study's findings can be used to educate and train parents and caregivers on the importance of family function and how to promote healthy interactions with the internet.
Policy development: The study's findings can be used to inform policy development related to the use of technology among adolescents and the importance of family function in promoting healthy interactions with the internet.