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The Smartphone-Not So 'Smart' for Teenagers' Health
Reka Borka Balas1,2, Lorena Elena Melit3,4, Dora Sarolta Balint2
1Department of Pediatrics I, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania.
Background:
Smartphones have become indispensable tools for communication, entertainment, and information access among children and adolescents. Excessive smartphone use may interfere with daily activities and contribute to problematic smartphone use. This study aimed to investigate age-related differences in smartphone use patterns and their impact on health among children and adolescents.
Methods:
A cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based study was conducted between March and May 2021 among 415 smartphone users aged 7-18 years. Participants were divided into two age groups (group 1: 7-12 and group 2: 13-18 years). Sociodemographic characteristics, smartphone use patterns, lifestyle factors, and health-related outcomes were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed in R version 4.3.3.
Results:
In group 1, daily smartphone use was mostly 1-3 h (40.35%), whereas in adolescents it was 3-5 h (40.85%). Female adolescents spent significantly more time using smartphones than males (p < 0.0001), whereas boys had higher odds of using their smartphone for gaming than girls (aOR = 3.55, 95% CI 1.83-7.09). Approximately two-thirds of adolescents in both age groups reported excessive daily smartphone use and perceived themselves as "addicted". Ocular complaints were among the most frequently reported somatic symptoms, particularly among adolescents. Prolonged smartphone use was significantly associated with disturbing dreams OR = 1.89, 95% CI (1.30-2.81) and insufficient sleep OR = 1.60, 95% CI (1.11-2.34) in adolescents; smartphone use before bedtime was significantly associated with daytime sleepiness in both groups (group 1 p = 0.041, group 2 p = 0.040). Anxiety-related symptoms were reported by nearly all participants, while emotional symptoms/experiences suggesting eventual depression appeared more prevalent among younger children.
Conclusions:
Excessive smartphone use is highly prevalent among children and adolescents and is associated with sleep disturbances, somatic symptoms, and psychological complaints, highlighting the need for targeted preventive interventions.
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