Two new studies conducted in the UK have found that problematic smartphone use in teenagers is associated with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Researchers at King’s College London gathered data from 657 teenagers aged 16 to 18 in one study and 69 children aged 13 to 16 in another study. They found that around 18.7% of older teenagers and 14.5% of younger teenagers self-reported problematic smartphone use.
Dr. Nicola Kalk, the co-author of the study, described problematic smartphone use as a pattern of behavior similar to behavioral addictions like problem gambling. This behavior includes loss of control over smartphone use, prioritizing the smartphone over other activities, continuing use despite awareness of negative effects, feeling distress when away from the smartphone, and increasing time spent on the device for the same reward.
One study published in Acta Paediatrica found that older teenagers with problematic smartphone use were twice as likely to experience anxiety and three times as likely to have depression. The other study published in BMJ Mental Health found that nearly half of younger teenagers with problematic use reported anxiety and over half reported symptoms of depression.
The researchers emphasized the need for evidence-based interventions to help adolescents manage their smartphone use. They also highlighted the importance of parents discussing smartphone use with their children and developing healthy habits together. While the number of minutes spent on a phone was not directly linked to anxiety or depression in older teenagers, it was associated with insomnia. The studies also indicate that teenagers are aware of the downsides of excessive smartphone use and are willing to limit their usage.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com