About one in two S’porean youth has problematic smartphone use: IMH study

The study found that those with problematic smartphone use were at least three times more likely to have symptoms of depression, anxiety and insomnia. - Photo: ST

SINGAPORE: Nearly half of Singaporean youth between the ages of 15 and 21 have “problematic smartphone use”, according to new research, which also suggests that such behaviour is linked to poorer mental health.

Researchers from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) who conducted the study define problematic smartphone use in terms of dependence and time spent on such devices, as well as the problems caused.