Smartphone ownership, usage and addiction proneness in preadolescents – implications for quality of life
Authors
Mc Govern, Donal
Issue Date
2019
Degree
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The majority of Irish children between 10 and 12 years of age are smartphone users, however, there is a paucity of research investigating addiction and the negative health implications of excessive smartphone use in preadolescence. Additionally, insufficient governance pertaining to child smartphone usage exists. The current study utilised a self-report paper questionnaire to determine quality of life (QoL) in preadolescent (10 – 12 years) smartphone users and non-users. Relationships between age, usage level, addiction proneness and QoL were explored. A statistically significant difference between smartphone users and non-users was observed, with smartphone users reporting lower Qol. Age and usage level were positively related to smartphone addiction proneness score (SAPS) and SAPS was negatively related to QoL. The findings, indicating lower QoL for smartphone users, can be utilised to assist policy makers and guardians in implementing restrictions on smartphone use in preadolescence.