Protective and risk factors of problematic smartphone use in preteens using panel study on Korean children

Abstract

BackgroundIncreased smartphone use by children and adolescents places them at higher risk of overdependence. The problematic smartphone use of preteens is rapidly increasing. The preteen period is one of considerable developmental change and the influence of problematic smartphone use should be identified by reflecting on this change and considering its social psychological factors.MethodsThis study employed a secondary analysis using data from the 10th (2017) to 11th (2018) wave of the Panel Study on Korean Children. STATA/BE 17 was used to analyze the panel logit model. Among the 1,286 participants aged 9–10 from the Panel Study on Korean Children, 342 with complete responses were selected as the participants of this study.ResultsThe risk group for problematic smartphone use showed an increase from 126 in 2017 to 149 in 2018. Factors influencing risk of preteens' problematic smartphone use were the child's externalizing problems (p = 0.015) and permissive parenting behavior (p = 0.003). Protective factors influencing preteens' problematic smartphone use were peer communication (p = 0.023), parental supervision (p = 0.020), and authoritative parenting behavior (p = 0.001).ConclusionsPreteens with externalizing problems are at a higher risk for problematic smartphone use and are therefore a group to be observed with caution. It is also required to guide them to form good relationships with friends. Finally, in the problematic smartphone use of preteens, parents are both a protective factor and a risk factor. Therefore, guidance is required so that children can behave properly.

Risk Factors of Smartphone Addiction: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies

“…Moreover, previous literature found that internet addiction reinforces procrastination behaviours and severely reduces academic performance of adolescents [60], which may lead to increased academic stress [70], a vicious cycle of self‐reinforcement. Literature suggests that positive parent–child relationship [71], parental supervision and authoritative parenting behaviour [72], as well as friendship satisfaction and academic motivation [73], can be protective factors for the addictive use of smartphones. Moreover, available evidence suggests that establishing skills, such as planning, self‐monitoring, time management and proactive attitudes, as well as emotional awareness and emotional regulation in stressful situations, are effective strategies to improve and prevent procrastination behaviours [74].…”

Problematic Smartphone Use and Its Relationship With Anxiety and Suicidal Ideation Among South Korean Adolescents

“…It is calculated by assigning scores of 0-3, and the total score for the seven items ranges from 0 points to 21 points, with higher scores indicating higher severity. The cutoff points of the scores are categorized as none/normal (0-4), mild anxiety (5)(6)(7)(8)(9), moderate anxiety (10)(11)(12)(13)(14), and severe anxiety (15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21). 34 In this study, the analysis was carried out by reclassifying the patients into two groups: the normal group and the anxiety group (mild, moderate, and severe anxiety).…”

“…Risk factors for PSU by adolescents include low socioeconomic status, poor academic performance, social isolation, body mass index (BMI), alcohol or smoking use, being exposed to adverse experiences, and mental health issues [ 9 - 11 ]. When adolescents are at increased risk for PSU due to inadequate self-control and difficulties in self-regulation, they are more likely to develop symptoms of dependence and addictive tendencies into adulthood [ 12 ].…”

“…[9][10][11] When adolescents are at increased risk for PSU due to inadequate self-control and difficulties in self-regulation, they are more likely to develop symptoms of dependence and addictive tendencies into adulthood. 12 According to recent reviews, adolescents with PSU experience greater negative effects on physical health, psychological state, and social interactions compared with normal smartphone users. 13,14 Previous studies have shown that factors such as sex, household income level, BMI, and cigarette and alcohol use among adolescents are also associated with PSU, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.…”