August 1, 2024

Problematic Smartphone Use

Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) describes a set of behaviours such as finding it hard to control smartphone use, feeling uncomfortable or anxious when unable to use one, and when the use of a smartphone is to the detriment of other enjoyable or meaningful activities.

Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London have been studying PSU in young people. They will present two papers, one (Acta Paediatrica) looking at a snapshot of 657 16-18 year olds and the other (BMJ Mental Health) following 69 13-16 year olds over a 4-week period. These papers help to give a more detailed understanding into the relationship adolescents have with their smartphones and the associated mental health outcomes. Alongside this work, the team will also present a commentary (Acta Paediatrica) which looks at data they have collected on techniques employed by young people to limit their smart phone use.

Journalists came to hear from the authors of this work on:

-What is Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) and how is it studied?

-How many young people report behaviours which are indicative of PSU?

-How are mental health outcomes such as anxiety and depression associated with PSU?

– What can we say about causality or the direction of the relationship?

-Are all associations with smartphone use negative?

-How do these young people feel about their smartphone use?

-How are they trying to navigate smartphone use themselves?

Speakers included:

Prof Ben Carter, Professor of Medical Statistics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London

Dr Nicola Kalk, Visiting Senior Lecturer at King’s IoPPN, Consultant Psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

This Briefing was accompanied by an SMC Roundup of comments.