Effects of depression and social interaction on smartphone addiction among female adolescents

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effect of social interaction and depression on smartphone addiction among Korean female adolescents. Methods This study is a secondary analysis of the data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey, a national survey conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute In Korea in 2018. The data of 1185 female adolescents was analyzed. Binary logistic regression was performed between smartphone addiction and depression, parenting behavior, peer interaction and teacher interaction. Findings Proportion of risk users was 24.9%. Depression, coercive parenting attitude, negative peer relationship, and trust/sensitivity/accessibility in teacher relationship predicted smartphone addiction. Conclusions This study emphasizes the necessity of smartphone addiction prevention programs to lower depression levels and approach adolescents' parents, friends, and teachers.