Problematic Internet use, family relationships and social support vs. depressive symptoms among adolescents during remote learning

Research objectives (aims) and problem(s): The study presented in this article seeks to answer the following question: What is the role of social support and the quality of family relationships in the context of depressive symptoms and problematic Internet use during the COVID-19 pandemic and remote learning among adolescents? Research methods: The study was conducted among 509 adolescents aged 11–16. Empirical data were collected using the Epidemic Difficulty Questionnaire (ATP), Family Relationships Questionnaire (KRR), Sense of Support Scale (SWS), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and the Child and Adolescent Depression Inventory (CDI2). The results showed that 34.02% of the students had elevated depressive symptoms. Heavy Internet use affected 16.8% of respondents, including 10.86% who simultaneously showed heightened symptoms of both depression and addiction. Additionally, girls were more likely than boys to exhibit symptoms of depression. Process of argumentation: First, the number of individuals affected by depression and Internet addiction was determined, and four groups were identified based on the combination of these two variables. These groups were then analyzed according to gender, age, pandemic-related difficulties, quality of family relationships, and sources of support. Research findings and their impact on the development of educational sciences: The study found that 34.02% of students had elevated depressive symptoms. Heavy Internet use affected 16.8% of respondents, including 10.86% who simultaneously experienced aggravated symptoms of depression and addiction. Moreover, girls were more likely than boys to report depressive symptoms. Students exhibiting both depressive and addictive symptoms experienced significantly more difficulties in relationships with family members compared to those without symptoms, and they perceived a greater number of household responsibilities as burdensome. Depressive symptoms were less severe among students whose families demonstrated mutual understanding and openness to differing views and beliefs. In such families, members communicated flexibly, cooperated effectively, and cared for one another. Conclusions and recommendations: The results confirmed that the quality of family relationships is crucial for the healthy functioning of adolescents without depressive symptoms, even in pandemic conditions. Therefore, an important preventive measure for schools is to undertake initiatives that strengthen mutual communication and parent–child relationships, as well as to enhance the diagnostic skills of parents, caregivers, and educators in the early detection of risk behaviors among children and adolescents.