A recent study presented at our Journal Club explores the concerning links between smartphone addiction, parenting styles, and mental well-being among adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Gujarat, India.
A recent study presented at our Journal Club explores the concerning links between smartphone addiction, parenting styles, and mental well-being among adolescents aged 15 to 19 in Gujarat, India. Conducted by Khalat Hameh Gharib, a Master's student in Health Education and Promotion, the research reveals that 64.6% of surveyed youths exhibit signs of smartphone addiction, often spending over two hours daily on non-educational activities. The study identifies urban residence, higher parental education, and socioeconomic status as factors contributing to increased addiction rates. Additionally, it highlights that authoritarian and permissive parenting styles correlate with higher levels of addiction, while authoritative parenting may help mitigate these risks. Importantly, the findings show a strong association between smartphone addiction and mental health issues, particularly severe stress. This research emphasizes the critical need for interventions aimed at promoting digital literacy and healthier parenting practices to safeguard adolescents' mental well-being.