Teens Using Smartphones, Accessing Social Media Apps At School, Says ABCD
MedPage Today
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
A recent study by researchers at the University of California San Francisco reveals that U.S. adolescents use smartphones for an average of 1.16 hours during school days, primarily on social media, video, and gaming apps. Utilizing passive measurement software on 640 teens' devices, the study provides objective insights into phone usage that challenge existing assumptions about phones being unused during class. With most public schools enforcing smartphone policies, the findings underscore the need for clear boundaries to mitigate distractions and raise concerns about the potential link between social media use and cognitive performance in adolescents. This research offers crucial data for healthcare professionals focusing on adolescent mental health and the implications of technology on learning.