Sohn, S.Y., Rees, P., Wildridge, B. et al. (2019). Prevalence of problematic smartphone usage and associated mental health outcomes amongst children and young people Flashcards
background
Over the past decade, smartphone use has become widespread amongst today’s children and young people (CYP) which parallels increases in poor mental health in this group. Simultaneously, media concern abounds about the existence of ‘smartphone addiction’ or problematic smartphone use. There has been much recent research concerning the prevalence of problematic smartphone use is in children and young people who use smartphones, and how this syndrome relates to mental health outcomes, but this has not been synthesized and critically evaluated.
aim
To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prevalence of problematic smartphone use (PSU) and quantify the association with mental health harms.
mental health outcomes tested
depression; anxiety; stress; poor sleep quality; and decreased educational attainment
conclusions
PSU was reported in approximately one in every four CYP and accompanied by an increased odds of poorer mental health.
PSU was associated with an increased odds of depression, increased anxiety, higher perceived stress, and poorer sleep quality.
PSU is an evolving public health concern that requires greater study to determine the boundary between helpful and harmful technology use. Policy guidance is needed to outline harm reduction strategies.
which people have the highest risk of exhibiting PSU
Females in the 17 to 19-year-old age group were most likely to exhibit PSU.
PSU vs addiction
PSU shares many traits with substance abuse disorders and behavioural addictions, and it appears to be common. This is unsurprising considering that those at risk of PSU have similar traits to those at risk of other addictions. Like alcohol, smartphone use is socially acceptable and widely available. In addition, smartphones are seen to facilitate work and education, as well as leisure. PSU therefore poses a different and arguably much bigger public health problem than substances of abuse or even Internet gaming.
what is first required to address PSU amongst CYP
To address PSU amongst CYP, an accepted and validated diagnostic definition is firstly required, to systematically identify those suffering.
Primary prevention of PSU is difficult given that smartphone use is now a societal norm; however, awareness of the risks of PSU amongst CYP, parents, teachers and healthcare providers could help limit exposure. Further research should develop a consensus regarding the most appropriate diagnostic criteria for PSU, and determine risk factors for PSU. Finally, further exploration of the relationship between PSU and diagnosed mental health conditions is urgently needed to clarify the magnitude of any casual contribution of PSU to the growing burden of mental health conditions amongst CYP.
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