Emotional and Behavioral Problems Related to Smartphone Overuse in Elementary School Children

Hye Won Baek; Yun Mi Shin; Kyoung Min Shin

doi:10.4306/jknpa.2014.53.5.320

Journal List > J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc > v.53(5) > 1017695

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Baek, Shin, and Shin: Emotional and Behavioral Problems Related to Smartphone Overuse in Elementary School Children

Original Article

Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2014; 53(5): 320-326.

Published online: 29 September 2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2014.53.5.320

Emotional and Behavioral Problems Related to Smartphone Overuse in Elementary School Children

Hye Won Baek, MD, Yun Mi Shin, MD, Kyoung Min Shin, MA

Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.

Address for correspondence: Yun Mi Shin, MD. Department of Psychiatry, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164 World cup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 443-380, Korea. Tel +82-31-219-5180, Fax +82-31-219-5179, ymshin@ajou.ac.kr

Received 2 August 2014 Revised 18 August 2014 Accepted 25 August 2014

Abstract

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the characteristics of smartphone use in elementary school children and the emotional and behavioral problems associated with smartphone overuse and addiction.

Methods

Children referred to a community based pediatric mental health center were screened for smartphone addiction and related problematic behavior using the Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale and the Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).

Results

1) Statistically significant differences in gender, usage time, ownership, and internalization symptoms (somatization, anxiety/depression, withdrawal) were observed between the smartphone excessive user group and the control group. 2) Variants showing the most significant correlation with smartphone addiction were usage time, internalization problems somatization, anxiety/depression, withdrawal, aggressive behaviors, and total behavior problems.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated an association of addiction tendency in elementary school children with internalization symptoms. Close observation in the familial and academic setting may be important for children at high risk for smartphone addiction.

Keywords: Smartphone, Overuse, Addiction, Children

Figures and Tables

Table 1

Demographic characteristics

Data are presented as number of participants (percentile), but age is presented as mean (standard deviation)

Table 2

Comparison between excessive user group and control group in characteristics of smartphone use

Data are presented as number of participants (percentile), but age is presented as mean (standard deviation). ^*: p≤0.05

Table 3

Comparison between excessive user group and control group in Child Behavior Checklist Scores

Data are presented as mean±standard deviation. ^*: p≤0.05 (2-tailed)

Table 4

Pearson's correlation analysis between Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale score and covariates

^*: Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (2-tailed), ^**: Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)

Notes

The authors have no financial conflicts of interest.

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