Brief ReportThe online behavior of pupils with visual impairment: A preliminary report

BackgroundYoung people with special educational needs are also users of new media.ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine whether pupils with visual impairment spend more time on Internet use than pupils without visual impairment and whether youngsters from the study group are engaged in behaviors which could increase risk of problematic Internet use.MethodsThe study is based on a total of 191 pupils: a study group of 66 partially-sighted pupils and a control group comprised 125 pupils who do not have visual impairment. A self-report questionnaire was constructed for the needs of this study.ResultsPupils with visual impairment spent significantly less time on Internet use than their peers from the reference groups. Twice as many pupils from the study group as controls reported no symptoms suggesting potentially problematic Internet use. In addition, the study group more frequently used online social networking services and e-mails or used the Internet for assignments.ConclusionsLittle difference exists between students with visual impairment and those without with regard to Internet use.