Evaluation of the impact of mobile communication devices on cognitive functions in students

Abstract

Introduction. The widespread use of mobile phones/smartphones and other multimedia devices in children makes the scientific community look for answers to questions about the impact of these devices on health. Currently, there are scientific studies both confirming the fact of harmful effects of mobile devices on cognitive functions in children, and refuting it. Material and methods. In the experimental part of the research the follow-up group consisted of schoolchildren who did not use mobile phones while at school (n = 100), and the control group consisted of children who did not have restrictions on the use of mobile phones (n = 101). The research was conducted by evaluating the dynamics of work capacity, attention span during the day (Schulte test), and by means of a social survey (n = 392). Results. The proportion of students with high and good independent work performance at the end of the school day was significantly higher among students in the school with complete restrictions on mobile communication devices. The survey found students in the unrestricted school to be more active while gadget users to be more likely to report signs of phone and problems with falling asleep. However, the differences are not significant (p > 0.05). Limitations. The study of the assessment of the influence of mobile phones on the cognitive functions of schoolchildren aged 11-16 years was carried out on a representative sample of 201 people, which was divided into an observation group and a control group. Conclusion. The results of the study confirm the negative impact of a distraction (mobile phones) on mental performance.