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Exploring contemporary screen time in Australian adolescents: A qualitative study
George Thomas1, Jason A Bennie1, Katrien De Cocker1
1Physically Active Lifestyles Research Group (USQ-PALs), Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Central, Qld, Australia.
Summary
Adolescents extensively use smartphones for social connection, entertainment, and daily functions, often engaging in solitary binge-watching and multi-screening. Understanding these screen time habits is crucial for developing effective health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Digital Media Studies
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Screen time is a prevalent behavior in adolescents with potential negative health implications.
- Limited qualitative research exists on contemporary adolescent screen engagement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the nature of adolescents' contemporary screen engagement.
- To add to the qualitative understanding of adolescent screen time.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured, one-on-one interviews were conducted with 16 adolescents (aged 13-17).
- Interviews were transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and thematically analyzed using an inductive approach.
Main Results:
- Smartphone use is ubiquitous among adolescents, primarily for social, entertainment, and functional activities at home after school.
- Common sedentary patterns include binge-watching and multi-screening, often done alone.
- Screen time is integral to social lives, but concerns exist regarding psychological, physical, and behavioral impacts.
- Social media notifications drive habitual and prolonged screen engagement, influenced by family and friends.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents engage in diverse screen-viewing practices, utilizing digital media mainly for social connection.
- Screen time interventions should consider social, psychological, and habitual factors.
- New insights into the functions, patterns, benefits, and concerns of adolescent screen engagement were identified.
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