Adolescent Health, Risk Behaviors, and Internet Use in Finnmark: Trends and Influential Mechanisms

Abstract This study examines trends in adolescent health, well-being, risk behaviors, and digital media use among high school students in Finnmark, Arctic Norway. Using data from the Ungdata survey (2014-2023), trend analysis (N = 6,084 in Finnmark; N = 254,048 nationwide) revealed limited improvements in health indicators, with increases in digital media use, school-related stress, and depressive thoughts. Pairwise comparisons showed that Finnmark students had worse outcomes than the national average in most areas, except for substance use and antisocial behaviors. A deeper analysis of the 2021 Ungdata data among Finnmark students (N = 2,129), using PLS-SEM, identified peer interactions as a key driver of risk-taking behaviors, including substance use and rule-breaking. Family and school environments influenced rule-breaking but had limited effects on substance use. Digital media use was linked to drinking and rule-breaking behaviors, while experiences of bullying correlated with substance use and antisocial behaviors. Further investigation into digital and social media use (N = 2,086) revealed that digital media engagement was associated with family relationships, school connectedness, and local area satisfaction. In contrast, social media use was linked to peer dynamics, depression, and harassment. Excessive media use contributed to lower physical activity and reduced face-to-face interactions, exacerbating challenges related to geographic isolation and cultural diversity. The findings underline the need for public health interventions tailored to Finnmark's unique sociocultural context, emphasizing mental health support and addressing the role of digital and social media in adolescent development. Future studies should explore the behavioral dimensions of media use and incorporate ethnicity-related factors to gain a deeper understanding of these dynamics in the region. Key messages • Trend analysis shows limited health improvements among adolescents in Finnmark, with worse outcomes than the national average in most areas, highlighting the need to address regional disparities. • Internet use among adolescents in in Finnmark can improve social connections but is linked to increased risk-taking behaviors, substance use, and mental health issues like depression and bullying.