Internet Habits, Problematic Internet Use, and Online Risk Practices Among Adolescents With ADHD in Spain.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been growing scientific concern about digital habits, online risk practices and problematic internet use (PIU) among adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This exploratory study aims to compare: (1) internet use habits; (2) PIU; and (3) online risk practices (i.e., active and passive sexting, sextortion, pornography consumption, online gambling, and contact with strangers) among adolescents with and without ADHD.

METHOD: A school-based sample of 4,359 adolescents aged 12-18 years old (M = 14.79, SD = 1.79; 51.1% girls; 5.9% ADHD) was assessed (intentional sampling).

RESULTS

The results indicated that adolescents with ADHD had different Internet and video game use habits, as well as a significantly higher rate of PIU compared to their peers without ADHD (25.8% vs. 18%). They also had a higher rate of sextortion, online gambling, and pornography use. In addition, significant gender differences of particular interest were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings underline the need to address the particularities of adolescents with ADHD and their environment in order to promote safer use of the technology.