<b>Development and Validation of a Questionnaire for Measuring Perceived Parental Internet Support</b>

As internet penetration among minors in China continues to rise, various potential risks have emerged. Parents play a vital role in managing the benefits and drawbacks of adolescents’ internet use. However, existing measurement tools predominantly focus on parental control and intervention, often neglecting the importance of parental support in fostering positive internet engagement. This study, grounded in Self-Determination Theory, developed the “Perceived Parental Internet Support Scale” (PPISS) to evaluate adolescents’ perceptions of parental support during their internet use, addressing a critical gap in family-based educational tools and intervention strategies. Method: An initial item pool was created through literature review and qualitative analysis of interview data. A sample of 1,093 middle school students from various Chinese provinces participated in item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and network analysis (NA). The final scale comprises 19 items across four dimensions: Substantive Support, Acceptance of Feelings, Encouragement of Autonomy, and Respectful Support. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the four-factor model of the PPISS, demonstrating good fit indices and structural validity. Reliability analysis indicated strong internal consistency (Cronbach’s α=0.862) and satisfactory test-retest reliability (0.741). Criterion validity analysis revealed significant positive correlations with satisfaction of basic psychological needs (<i>r</i>=0.461) and significant negative correlations with smartphone addiction risk (<i>r</i>=-0.257). Network analysis emphasized the central roles of “Acceptance of Feelings” and “Encouragement of Autonomy.” Conclusion: The PPISS is a promising tool for assessing parental support in adolescents’ internet use, providing a reliable foundation for future research and interventions.