Abstract
<jats:p>Problematic Internet Use (PIU)—marked by compulsive or maladaptive online behavior—is an emerging public health issue among adolescents and is associated with psychological distress, social difficulties, and academic problems. In Finnmark County, Norway’s northernmost and ethnically diverse region, limited research has examined the underlying mechanisms of PIU among Sámi and non-Sámi youth, despite increasing levels of digital engagement. This study protocol outlines a population-based cross-sectional survey investigating the associations between social norms (descriptive and injunctive), ethnic identity, and ethnicity-based discrimination in relation to PIU among Sámi and non-Sámi adolescents in Finnmark. Guided by Social Norm Theory and Ethnic Identity Theory, the study aims to examine risk and resilience factors associated with adolescents’ digital behavior in a geographically sparsely populated, multiethnic region. A population-based, cross-sectional school survey will include all upper secondary school students in Finnmark County (N ≈ 2,230). A culturally adapted, bilingual questionnaire (Northern Sámi – Norwegian) will measure problematic internet use, perceived social norms in family, peer, and school contexts, ethnic identity, ethnicity-based discrimination, positive internet use, and key covariates. Ethnicity will be classified based on indicators of Sámi language use and self-identification. Data will be prepared using prespecified quality procedures and analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine associations between social norms, ethnic identity, ethnicity-based discrimination, and internet use outcomes, including mediation and moderation. Group differences between Sámi and non-Sámi adolescents will be assessed using PLS Multi-Group Analysis. The findings may inform the development of culturally appropriate approaches to screening, prevention, and early intervention, and are relevant for mental health services, school-based programs, and public health strategies targeting Indigenous youth in rural and semi-rural regions.</jats:p>