Psychometric properties of the risk perception scale for technology use in children and adolescents

The aim of this work is 1) to create a valid, reliable instrument with which to evaluate the risk perception of children and adolescents regarding their use of technology (cell phones, Internet, and video games); and 2) to analyze the frequency with which some risk behaviors occur in relation to perception, technology use and age. 807 children and adolescents from the province of Cordoba (Spain) answered an ad hoc questionnaire with several instruments: sociodemographic data; problematic use of cell phones, Internet, and video games; and risk perception with the Scale on Risk Perception of Technology Use for children and adolescents (EPRUT). The results obtained from the factor analysis reveal that the RPSTU has three dimensions, related to cell phones, Internet, and video games, respectively. Differences were observed in the relationship between age and risk perception, with older people having the highest risk perception. Assessing risk perception will favor the detection and development of prevention programs for the use of technology in children and adolescents.