Research Reveals How Unhealthy Smartphone Usage in Teens Can Contribute to Anxiety and Depression
Research indicates that approximately one in eight young individuals are seeking assistance to reduce their smartphone usage.
Conducted by researchers at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London, the studies focused on two age groups: 13–16 years old and 16–18 years old.
These studies examined behavioral patterns described as ‘problematic smartphone use’ (PSU) among adolescents.
Symptoms of PSU include feeling distressed when the phone is inaccessible, struggling to regulate phone usage, and feeling unsatisfied after prolonged use.
More than 18 percent of 16–18-year-olds and 14.5 percent of 13–16-year-olds self-reported PSU symptoms, with a higher prevalence among girls.
Individuals with PSU were found to be more likely to experience mental health challenges compared to those without these symptoms.
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Individuals in the older group who reported PSU were found to be twice as likely to have anxiety compared to those who didn’t report it.
In the younger group, nearly half of those with PSU reported anxiety symptoms, contrasted with 26.4 percent without PSU.
“The studies underscore the necessity for evidence-based interventions to aid adolescents facing challenges due to their smartphone usage,” stated Ben Carter, professor of medical statistics at King’s IoPPN.
Researchers differentiated PSU from screen time, which refers to the amount of time spent on a smartphone.
While screen time was not linked to anxiety or depression in 16-18-year-olds, it was associated with increased insomnia.
Older teens with PSU spent more time on apps like TikTok and Instagram, in comparison to those without PSU. Usage of WhatsApp, general gaming, or the internet showed minimal variance based on PSU status.
Cry For Help
The studies, published in Acta Paediatrica and BMJ Mental Health, revealed that one in eight young people desires assistance to decrease their smartphone usage.
Teenagers reporting PSU were five times more inclined to seek help in reducing their smartphone use compared to peers without PSU.
“Adolescents comprehend the downsides of smartphone usage along with its benefits, and taking steps to manage their use is encouraging,” emphasized Nicola Kalk, the senior author of the studies.
Many young individuals have actively implemented strategies to limit smartphone usage, such as muting the device, disabling notifications, or keeping phones away at bedtime.
Methods like restricting access to certain apps, using locked boxes during study sessions, or switching to grayscale mode on the screen were deemed less effective.
Restrictions
Researchers discovered that imposing restrictions on smartphone usage by parents can create family tension and be counterproductive. The recommended approach involves discussing advantages and disadvantages of smartphones openly with children.
The Acta Paediatrica study suggested that both schools and parents should address problematic smartphone usage.
As per the former government’s proposal, mobile phones were set to be banned in schools throughout England.
This initiative aimed to align with actions taken by other nations like France, Italy, and Portugal.
The Conservatives also pondered on banning smartphone sales to individuals under 16.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed reservations about a ban, dubbing it impractical and not a viable solution.
Last month, the Labour leader stated willingness to collaborate on enhancing protections for parents and children against smartphone-related issues.
PA Media contributed to this report.
