About 1 in 4 young people in the U.S. demonstrate problematic cellphone use, which is linked to a higher risk of mental health issues, according to a study published in BMC Psychiatry.
For the study, researchers examined 41 peer-reviewed studies published in eight databases between 2011-17. The studies assessed self-reported mental health outcomes in relation to cellphone use for 41,871 children and young adults. Researchers defined problematic cellphone use as a pattern of addictive behaviors that involve tolerance, withdrawal and neglect of other activities, among other factors.
About 23.3 percent of youth reported problematic cellphone use, with females ages 17-19 most likely to exhibit the behavior. The most frequent activity cellphones were used for was messaging, although youth identified social media as being the most preferred activity.
Problematic cellphone use was linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety, higher perceived stress, and worse sleep quality. Researchers also discovered an association with loneliness, low self-esteem and insecure attachments.
To view the full study, click here.