When and Why Youth use their Cell Phones: Links to School, Family, and Peer Connectedness

Introduction & Aim: The aim of this study was to explore when and why youth used their cell phones on the previous school day (among those who owned phones), and risks and benefits associated with phone usage, particularly in... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction & Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore when and why youth used their cell phones on the previous school day (among those who owned phones), and risks and benefits associated with phone usage, particularly in relation to connectedness with school, family, and peers.

Method:

Self-report survey data was collected from 29,832 students in public schools across British Columbia, Canada who completed McCreary’s 2013 BC Adolescent Health Survey. Youth ranged in age from 12-19. Survey questions tapped risk and health-promoting behaviours, and perceptions about school, family and peers. There was also a grid asking whether youth used their cell phone on the previous school day for different reasons (e.g., communicating with parents, teachers, friends) and when they took part in these activities (before school, during school, after school).

Results & Conclusions:

Most youth (90%) reported owning a cell phone. Youth in urban areas were more likely than those in rural areas to own one. Most youth who owned a phone used it for communicating with friends (89%) and parents (80%), and 9% communicated with teachers. Students who communicated with teachers before or after school felt more connected to school than those who did not use their phone for this reason. Youth who communicated with parents or friends during school were less likely to feel connected to school.

Youth who communicated with their parents during the school day were also less likely to feel connected to their family. However, students who used their phone to communicate with parents after school were more likely to feel connected to family.

Results indicate that knowing when and why youth use their phones can provide nuanced information on risks and benefits associated with cell phone use among adolescents.