The impact of sociodemographic factors and family climate on the predominance of Internet addiction in Tiflet, Morocco

Mohamed Rmili; Samira Boulbaroud; Meriam  El Ayachi; Anass Chaker Lamrani; Fatima-Zahra  Azzaoui

doi:10.23750/abm.2026.18213

The impact of sociodemographic factors and family climate on the predominance of Internet addiction in Tiflet, Morocco

Authors

Mohamed Rmili Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4636-1783
Samira Boulbaroud Unit of Biotechnology and Sustainable Development of Natural Resources, Polydisciplinary Faculty, Sultan My. Slimane University, Beni Mellal, Morocco https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1197-6610
Meriam El Ayachi Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5405-3999
Anass Chaker Lamrani Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2112-1405
Fatima-Zahra Azzaoui Laboratory of Biology and Health, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4427-5148

Keywords:

addiction, internet, prevalence, sociodemographic factors.

Abstract

Background : The increasing integration of the internet into daily life has raised numerous concerns, including the risk of addiction. This addiction may be influenced by sociodemographic factors.

Method : This is a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim, conducted at the Oued Eddahab High School in the city of Tiflet, Morocco. The study included 378 students (239 girls and 139 boys), with a mean age of 17.08 ± 1.28 years. Participants were asked to complete a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT).

Results : Among the 378 students surveyed, the prevalence of internet addiction was found to be 55.6% with 47.7% exhibiting moderate addiction and 8.2% displaying severe addiction. Conflicts with the mother were risk factors for severe Internet addiction (OR = 10.05; 95% CI = [2.56–39.34]; p < 0.01). Conflicts with the father (OR = 3.12; 95% CI = [0.87–11.10]; p > 0.05) and conflicts between parents (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = [0.32–3.61]; p > 0.05) were not risk factors for severe Internet addiction. Parental control of Internet access reduced the risk of severe Internet addiction (OR = 0.33; 95% CI = [0.14–0.76]; p < 0.01).

Conclusion : Students who experience conflicts with their parents (whether with the mother, father, or between both) are more likely to develop internet addiction. In contrast, parental supervision and control over internet use appears to reduce the risk of developing such an addiction. These results show the importance of prevention strategies that involve students, families, and educators.

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