SOCIAL AND HEALTH VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH CHILDREN USE OF THE INTERNET AND ELECTRONIC GAMES

The current study drives at exploring some social and health variables associated with children use to the internet and electronic games. The sample consists of (327) male/female students in primary and preparatory stage aged (9-16 year olds) in late childhood stage. The researchers use the descriptive method using a random sample. A questionnaire has been applied to students at schools either they are experimental, private language, or international schools in Cairo governorate using T. Test for exploring the individual differences. The study also uses several tools including the Coefficient Correlation, Chi-Square Coefficient, Average, Standard Deviation, and Percentage Probable average of some social and health variables.
The study comes to several results as follows: there is a significant statistical correlation between using the internet and identifying other persons, and forming new friendships; since there is an interaction between researched individuals and the persons and friendships consisted through the internet or outside it.
There is no relationship between using the internet and social isolation among late childhood male/female children.
There is a significant statistical relationship between some health variables and using the internet and playing electronic games such as: hand and back pain, the visual-motional adjustment, and there is a correlation between using the internet and electronic games and feeling of eye exhaustion.
Study Recommendations: The study recommends imposing control upon the internet sites addressing children, enlightening parents with the necessity of investigating the content of the materials children receive through the internet and direct them to how to use it.
The study also recommends developing contents of electronic games such as innovating simulation games (such as flying simulation) and other useful games.