Differences in Reported Mental Health for Schools Which Either Ban or Allow Smartphones

Abstract

Since approximately 2012, multiple international studies have found that rates of adolescent mental illness are increasing, with smartphone use proposed as one potential cause. Smartphone and social media use has been found to be associated with increased rates of mental illness. Few studies have examined the impact of smartphone policies in schools alongside the variable of mental health. This study examined the mental health items of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) in order to compare the mental health of students who were in schools which banned or allowed smartphones. Schools were grouped by policy based on a survey of administrators whose schools participated in the 2023 PAYS. Pearson Chi-Square Test of Independence was performed in order to determine if an association existed between group membership and mental health items. Gender was used as a moderator variable. The study found that students in schools which banned smartphones were more likely to report a symptom of depression and to report planning suicide. Girls in schools which banned smartphones were more likely to report two symptoms of depression. Results were examined within a theoretical framework of hyper-novelty and social contagion. Potential explanations for these findings include the possibility that a “fear of missing out” may be contributing to worsened mental health while away from the smartphones. Recommendations for practice and future study are included