The impact of problematic smartphone use on children's and adolescents' quality of life: A systematic review

Abstract

Aim: To provide a systematic review on studies examining problematic smartphone (PSU) use in children and adolescents, and its impact on quality of life, life satisfaction, and well-being.

Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, Scopus and Pubmed.

Results: The search yielded k = 9 articles for which inclusion criteria were met. Five studies examined health-related or overall quality of life, two assessed life satisfaction, and two evaluated well-being in relation to PSU. Negative associations between PSU and the outcome variables were reported almost consistently, with one study yielding only a trend for a negative correlation of PSU with life satisfaction, and one study finding no significant correlation regarding quality of life. Comparability between studies was impeded by the scarcity of studies which met inclusion criteria and by the use of different measures.

Conclusion: More research is needed regarding PSU and the outcome variables in children and adolescents. Also, a distinct and consistent theoretical conceptualisation of PSU is required to replicate findings, and to enhance comparability between studies. Based on the trend reported here, the development of customised, early on interventions for children and adolescents at risk of PSU is warranted.

Keywords: adolescents; children; life satisfaction; problematic smartphone use; quality of life.