The psychososial aspects of Internet use among high school students in Pattani, Thailand

Studies have shown that internet use has both positive and negative psychosocial effects on its users. However, there are few studies on the psychosocial aspects of internet use among high school students in Pattani, Thailand. This study aims to explore the psychosocial aspects of internet use among high school students in
Pattani, Thailand and to investigate how the psychosocial aspects influence students’ academic performance. The study also aims to examine the stakeholders’ reactions on the effect of internet use on the high school students and to recommend social work interventions to reduce the effect of psychosocial issues. A qualitative study was conducted using 23 informants from four districts in Pattani, namely Muang, Yaring, Kokpho and Saiburi. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study found that internet use has affected the Pattani
high school students socially and psychologically. Students who spent more than eight hours a day on the internet were more likely to neglect their responsibilities. They tend to have more relationship problems with parents and family members and inclined to be aggressive, easily upset, moody and sleepy in class. Students were also likely to skip meals, get depressed and exhibit poor physical health and showed a
decline in academic performance. Nevertheless, internet use has helped the Pattani’s students gain new knowledge, which enable them to make informed decisions. Thus, informants suggested the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of
Information and Technology, and Ministry of Social Development and Human Security collaborate to block websites that aggravate negative behavior among
students. Informants opined that students need to be monitored on the internet use and internet surfing time. This study contributes to the understanding of knowledge on social integration theory and the role of school social workers in assisting Pattani’s high school students’ internet usage. The Students’ Care and Support System (SCSS) introduced by the Ministry needs to include social workers’ support system to effectively solve psychosocial problems arising from the internet use
among high school students.