Problematic smartphone use and academic achievement: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Problematic smartphone use (PSU) is a growing concern among students.
• Understanding the impact of PSU on academic performance is crucial for educational interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively synthesize evidence on the relationship between PSU and academic achievement.
• To determine the magnitude of this association and identify potential moderating factors.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across six databases up to February 10, 2023.
• Meta-analysis (random-effects model) was used to compute pooled effect sizes (r).
• Meta-regressions and influence analyses assessed moderators and result robustness.

Main Results:

• 33 effect sizes from 29 studies (n=48,490) were analyzed.
• A small, statistically significant negative effect size (r = -0.110) was found.
• The negative association between PSU and academic achievement was stronger in elementary and middle school students.

Conclusions:

• Problematic smartphone use is a significant, albeit small, factor associated with decreased academic achievement.
• Findings underscore the need for strategies to mitigate PSU's negative impact on student learning.
• Interventions may need to be tailored to different age groups, with younger students requiring particular attention.