Background Evidence from a variety of studies link mobile phone use with an increase in mental health problems, with the situation being particularly prevalent in China and exacerbated by the COVID-19 quarantine. Objective This study aims to reveal underlying connections between mobile phone use and mental disorders of adolescents, and to develop a theory to help parents and counseling psychologists better understand and intervene in future cases. Methods A total of 37 teenagers having both mental health and mobile phone use problems, along with their parents, were included for individual interviews. These interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative methods of grounded theory. Results The grades-ranking-first mentality is one of the main factors causing problems such as defective family bonding and peer influences, pushing teenagers with mental disorders to seek comfort in the virtual world through their cellphones. Conclusions The idea proposed in this study is not only inspiring for psychological counseling and therapy on adolescents with mental problems but also beneficial for school educators and parents to better understand the adolescents. The findings of the study are also particularly noteworthy in the postpandemic age, where parents whose work locations and schedules are substantially affected due to any emergencies should try to build a relaxing and cozy atmosphere at home to avoid possible conflicts with adolescents.

BACKGROUND Evidence from a variety of studies links mobile phone usage (MPU) with the increase in mental health problems, with the situation being particularly prevalent in China and exacerbated by the COVID-19 quarantine. OBJECTIVE To reveal underlying connections between MPU and mental disorders of adolescents and develop a theory to help parents and counseling psychologists better understand and intervene in future cases. METHODS 37 teenagers having both mental health and MPU problems, along with their parents were included for individual interviews. These interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative methods of grounded theory (GT). RESULTS Grades-ranking-only judgment is one of the main factors causing problems such as defective family bonding and peer influences, pushing teenagers with mental disorders to seek comfort in the virtual world through their cellphones. CONCLUSIONS This theory is not only inspiring for psychological counseling and therapy on adolescents with mental problems, but it is also beneficial for school educators and parents to better understand the adolescents. Findings of the study are also particularly noteworthy during the current period when parents whose works are substantially affected by the pandemic should try to build a relaxing and cozy atmosphere at home to avoid possible conflict outbreaks.