Abstract

OLIVEIRA, Maria Paula Magalhães Tavares de et al. Use of internet and electronic games by adolescents at high social risk. Temas psicol. [online]. 2017, vol.25, n.3, pp. 1167-1183. ISSN 1413-389X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.9788/TP2017.3-13Pt.

Handling digital tools can be important means of social inclusion. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of Internet and electronic games by 60 teenagers at high social risk, participants in the activities held by the Projeto Quixote. We sought to characterize type of activity, frequency, duration, company, location and purpose of the use of internet and electronic games, as well difficulties found in managing the Web. Most of the interviewed teenagers were enrolled in school, used internet and electronic games to interact with friends and family, especially for communication and entertainment. The adolescents reported that they learned to use these devices by themselves and that they knew the risks associated with these practices. However, the results show that they had exposed themselves to several risks. Gender differences were observed. The urge of empowering parents and educators to develop skills to promote social inclusion is discussed as well as the importance of tracking usage to prevent inappropriate or excessive practice.

Keywords : Adolescents; internet; electronic games; social vulnerability; risk.

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