The Effect of Internet Use on Social Skills of Elementary Students

The present research aimed to investigate the effect of the internet use on social skills of elementary school students. This study was based on semi-empirical، with pre-test and post-test method and control group. The statistical society was the total population of primary school male children in the sixth grade of Sarchehan Area including 185 people in the academic year 2013-2014. Using random cluster sampling method، a number of 120 cases were selected as sample. The measurement tool was a researcher-made questionnaire designed for social skills of the sixth grade elementary school students. Reliability of the test was 0. 87 based on Cronbach alpha. Validity of the tool was confirmed by five psychology and education experts as well as applying 20 teachers and principals'' opinions. The collected data were analyzed using t test and SPSS software. The results confirmed the main hypothesis that the internet use increased social skills of students. Moreover، the results revealed that internet use enhanced skills of respect for others، responsibility، friend making and group activities participation.