Researchers at King’s College London have discovered a correlation between problematic smartphone use and increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in teenagers. Problematic smartphone use refers to behaviors such as feeling anxious when unable to access one’s phone, struggling to control screen time, and prioritizing phone use over other activities.
The study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that 44% of 13-16-year-olds with problematic smartphone use reported symptoms of anxiety, compared to 26.4% without. Similarly, 56% of 13-16-year-olds with problematic use reported symptoms of depression, compared to 35.8% without.
While screen time itself was not directly linked to anxiety or depression in older teenagers, it was associated with insomnia. The study also found that girls were more likely to experience problematic smartphone use, with 19% of 16-18-year-olds and 15% of 13-16-year-olds reporting such behaviors.
Encouragingly, many young people expressed a desire to reduce their smartphone use, with nearly nine out of ten 13-16-year-olds attempting to limit their screen time. Effective strategies for managing smartphone use include turning off notifications, using “do not disturb” mode, and leaving the phone in another room at bedtime.
Experts recommend involving young people in the development of interventions to address problematic smartphone use, acknowledging that phones are an integral part of modern life. By working together, we can find healthier ways to use smartphones and mitigate their negative effects on mental health.
