The effectiveness of a parent-based digital detox intervention to reduce cyber addiction in adolescents aged 12-17: A controlled quasi-experimental study.

Abstract

Introduction. Cyber addiction is the excessive and uncontrolled use of the Internet, computer games, social media, and digital devices in ways that negatively affect children's daily lives. With the rapid proliferation of digital technologies, cyber addiction has become a significant public health issue among adolescents and has contributed to psychological, social, and academic problems among them. This study investigated the effectiveness of a parent-based digital detox education program in reducing cyber addiction among adolescents aged 12-17 years by improving parental awareness and guidance on the subject. Population and methods. Between June and December 2025, parents of adolescents aged 12-17 years living in a province in eastern Türkiye participated in this quasi-experimental study. The intervention group attended a four-week online parent education program, whereas the control group received no intervention. Data were collected before and after the intervention using the Introduction Form and the Family Child Internet Addiction Scale. Results. A total of 81 parents were included; in the intervention group (n = 40), post-test scores for social isolation, dysfunction, withdrawal, loss of control, and total internet addiction decreased significantly compared with pre-test scores (p <0.05). No significant pre- or post-test differences were observed in the control group. Baseline comparisons indicated that the groups were comparable before intervention. Conclusions. A parent-based digital detox education program was associated with reduced cyber addiction in adolescents aged 12-17 years. However, because no significant post-test differences were found between the intervention and control groups, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Larger randomized controlled trials are required to confirm the effectiveness of this intervention.