SHILLONG, JAN 13: Nestled in the serene hills of Meghalaya, a silent crisis brews among the state’s youth. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich traditions, the region now faces a modern challenge: the growing impact of internet addiction on the sleep quality of school-going teenagers.

A recent study conducted in the East Khasi Hills district reveals an alarming trend. Adolescence—a critical period for brain development and physical growth—demands good-quality sleep. Yet, internet addiction is increasingly disrupting this vital aspect of teenage health, with serious consequences for memory, concentration, academic performance, and social relationships.

The study, led by Ibanlumlin Diengdoh and C. Devendiran from Mizoram University’s Department of Social Work, was published in The International Journal of Indian Psychology. It surveyed 312 students from classes 8, 9, and 10 across four schools in East Khasi Hills, using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS). The findings were stark: 36.9% of students experienced poor sleep quality, and 20.2% were classified as internet addicts.

Key Findings:

• Sleep Quality Disruption: Although 63.1% of students reported good sleep, a significant 36.9% struggled with disrupted rest.
• Internet Usage Habits: Over 60% of participants spent more than three hours online daily, with 52.5% admitting that their internet use directly led to sleep loss.
• Primary Internet Activities: Students mainly used the internet for watching videos (62.5%), academics (45.2%), sports (39.4%), and news (29.8%).
• Financial Impact: Monthly internet recharge expenses exceeded ₹300 for 40.1% of participants.

The study also uncovered critical correlations: internet addiction significantly predicted poor sleep quality and was associated with sleep disturbances, delayed sleep onset, daytime dysfunction, and overall disrupted rest.

The Human Cost

The participants, averaging 14.8 years in age, represented diverse backgrounds, with 94.3% identifying as tribal and 87.8% as Christians. Despite the cultural vibrancy of the region, technology is reshaping the lives of its adolescents—not only during the day but throughout the night.

A Call for Preventive Action

The findings highlight an urgent need for preventive measures to address sleep quality and internet addiction among adolescents. Recommendations include:

• Education on Healthy Sleep Patterns: Teaching students about the importance of adequate and consistent sleep.
• Promoting Balanced Internet Use: Encouraging moderation and mindful internet habits.
• Stress and Coping Strategies: Equipping adolescents with tools to manage stress and maintain mental well-being.
• Reconnecting with the Offline World: Fostering activities that promote social interaction and outdoor engagement.

As the digital age continues to evolve, Meghalaya’s youth must navigate its opportunities and challenges carefully. By prioritizing health and balance, the state can ensure its adolescents thrive in both the online and offline worlds.

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