Unpacking of Smartphone Dependence Among Elementary Students: Insights From a Large-Scale Survey

• In Event: Equity, Diversity, and Access in Learning

Abstract

The rise of smartphones has significantly impacted educational equity, as evidenced by a survey of 30,601 elementary students in southern China. The study revealed that 13.2% of these students were dependent on smartphones, with disparities based on gender and family structure, particularly affecting male, non-only children and those from single-parent households. This dependence correlated with declines in academic performance, learning interest, self-confidence, and motivation. However, strong interpersonal relationships, particularly between parents and children, helped mitigate these negative effects, highlighting the need to consider family dynamics in fostering equitable educational outcomes in the digital age.

Authors

• Jinqing Liu, University of Scranton

• Helin Li, Northeast Normal University

• Da Zhou, Northeast Normal University

• Jian Liu, Beijing Normal University