International Journal of

Environmental Research
and Public Health

Article
Social Overview of Smartphone Use by Teenagers
María-Carmen Ricoy * , Sara Martínez-Carrera and Isabel Martínez-Carrera

Department of Didactics, School Organization and Research Methods, Faculty of Education and Social Work,
Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
* Correspondence: cricoy@uvigo.es; Tel.: +34-988-38-70-65

Abstract: Information and Communication Technologies have led to a new way of life and, in partic-
ular, of socialization. The objective of this study is to analyse the image social media disseminate
of news taken from digital newspapers, based on the opportunities and drawbacks attributed to
smartphone use by teenagers. An essentially qualitative methodology was used, on a sample of
1704 news items published in digital newspapers. The results and conclusions show that smartphone
use by teenagers improves development of their digital competence, presents new academic oppor-
tunities (through gamification or mobile learning) and provides them with digital tools for school
and leisure. The widespread drawbacks reflect the effects of the device on the deterioration of health
(dependence, stress, psychosocial problems) and emotions, thereby succinctly affecting academic
performance. A noticeable increase of positive news about smartphones was published in the major
newspapers in December, while that on its negative effects, in September.

Keywords: adolescence; digital press; education prevention; emotions; ICTs; smartphone; socialization

1. Introduction
The bloom of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) has created a new
Citation: Ricoy, M.-C.; Martínez-Carrera,
socialization structure by changing the way people communicate and live. ICTs play an
S.; Martínez-Carrera, I. Social Overview
important role in the daily lives of citizens because they are permanently present as part of
of Smartphone Use by Teenagers. Int.
the immersive digital culture. However, they can generate an undesirable dependence [1].
J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19,
In like manner, digital development is an essential platform for digital journalism which
15068. https://doi.org/10.3390/
has acquired great prominence due, among other aspects, to its immediacy and impact [2].
ijerph192215068
The exclusivity of the analogue press is now extinct, after ceding its space to the more
Academic Editor: David Aparisi versatile digital press with a very wide and ambitious outreach.
Received: 27 October 2022
The media, including newspapers now present a continuous flow of information
Accepted: 14 November 2022
and generally provide unhindered news and events with a multitude of approaches [3].
Published: 16 November 2022
The digital press, and in particular, daily newspapers, offer a great deal of information
that has a huge influence on citizens. The news is quite varied, albeit of events, situa-
Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral
tions or phenomena that can generate a greater impact on people, as well as social or
with regard to jurisdictional claims in
socio-political controversy.
published maps and institutional affil-
Teenagers’ use of ICTs is worrying, especially with mobile devices such as smartphones.
iations.
Possible dysfunctional uses include phubbing, fomo, selfiphobia, nomophobia, vibranxiety
and sexting [4–6]. Digital newspapers echo this psycho-social concern and the multiple
problems generated by the device, thus reflecting the reality.
Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
Daily newspapers provide information that can influence citizenry and therefore, cred-
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. ibility should be one of its main objectives. The press generates social interest because all of
This article is an open access article its formats and media, in some way or another not only reflect everyday life and facilitate
distributed under the terms and learning, but also portrays reality, albeit from different angles. The Internet, together with
conditions of the Creative Commons education professionals and the family, should offer teenagers the tools needed to learn,
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// think and question information. Digital literacy is a learning process that requires training
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ and dedication [7]. Reading on-line news in a critical and constructive manner is essential
4.0/). for an informed and engaged citizenry, but they need to be taught and trained.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215068 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 2 of 15

Digital press news continues to rise in parallel with the growth of mobile devices, since
the technology is used by a large number of people. The vast majority opt for digitization
in their social relations [8]. Therefore, educational professionals should contribute to or
reinforce media literacy in youngsters, in order to train citizens to have a reflective and
critical viewpoint. ICTs have changed the way content is consumed and provide diversified
access to information. However, digital media content is now more intermingled than ever,
making it difficult to read, analyse and understand. Therefore, teaching and learning to read
on-line news in a critical and constructive manner is essential for establishing an informed
and engaged citizenry [9]. More and more people are using digital and mobile devices to
read newspapers, social media or to play games, and, in general, to indiscriminately surf
the Internet.
The 2021 Report on Digital News Users in Spain [10], published by the Universities of
Navarra and Oxford, indicates that the mobile phone is the most used device by Internet
users to seek information: 9 out of 10 (90%) use it regularly for some purpose and 8 out
of 10 (78%) for news. This is five points higher than in 2020 and 11 points higher than
in 2019 (67%). On the other hand, according to the latest Annual Report of the National
Observatory of Telecommunications and the Information Society [11], this is the first time
ever that there are more mobile lines than inhabitants in developing countries. Telephone
land lines are widespread worldwide, but are in a clear downward trend. In the last
five years, the number of land lines per 100 inhabitants decreased by 4.6 in developed
countries, while the decrease was 2.5 lines per 100 inhabitants in developing countries. In
the aforementioned 2021 document on Digital News Users in Spain, it is also stated that the
mobile telecommunications are becoming increasingly popular in different countries. They
are growing the fastest in developing countries, from 99.4 to 103.8 lines per 100 inhabitants.
It should be noted that there are 128.9 mobile phone lines per 100 inhabitants in developed
countries. This is because the same user can have a private and another professional mobile
phone line. Another important point is that, over the past five years, the Asia-Pacific and
Africa regions have led the growth of mobile phone lines. The increase was smaller in
the Americas and the Commonwealth of Independent States, and a decrease is observed
in Europe and the Arab States. On the other hand, smartphone expansion is striking; for
example, in Mexico, where it has a penetration rate of 45.6% with 59,597,000 users, and in
Colombia 39.8% with 19,669,000 users [12].
According to data from the Association for Media Research [13], 14% of Spanish
households own exclusively cell phones, abandoning fixed telephony. Smartphone avail-
ability in the population of Spanish children (aged 10–15 years) is very high. About 70%
of teenagers have the device and acquisition increases with age, reaching 99.1%, in those
aged 16+ years [14,15]. Smartphones are the most widely used digital mobile devices
among teenagers and youngsters in Spain. However, research in other countries shows
that smartphone use as a digital consumer device is not as high.
Mobile phones are used by teenagers practically all day long, both for leisure and
communication purposes [16–18]. They therefore need to be protected at a key moment
in their psychological, social and emotional development. In this sense, it is important
to highlight the importance of improving and reinforcing their emotional development,
with a view to strengthening well-being and helping them cope and manage affections
and the multiple situations they face [19]. At a vulnerable stage such as at adolescence,
we need to be careful about how they use mobile phones and interact with ICTs [20].
Education professionals and family should guide teenagers in using smartphones correctly
and protecting themselves from the dangers of the Internet. Also noteworthy, is that this
vital stage, is the right time to build healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

2. Justification and Purpose of the Study

The relevance of the smartphones and the tablets is massive. This has made them quite
popular, particularly among teenagers and youth. However, we need to analyse the impact
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 3 of 15

of smartphone use at an early age, in order to assess possible consequences, especially if

they can be of a very problematic or irreversible nature.
This investigation is the first of its kind. The study presents the social panorama
that Spanish digital newspapers spread about smartphones use among teenagers and the
temporal affluence with which news are published. This analysis is a starting point for
planning psycho-socio-educational prevention strategies to help raise awareness to society,
educators and the family environment about the benefits and risks of smartphone use
by adolescents.
The aim of this study is to understand the image offered by social media, including
digital newspapers, on smartphones use by teenagers. This study was guided by the
following research questions (RQ):
− RQ1: What are the benefits attributed by digital newspapers to teenagers that use
smartphones?
− RQ2: What are the drawbacks that digital newspapers spread about smartphone use
by teenagers?
− RQ3: What is the temporal distribution of newspaper news items on smartphone use
by teenagers?

3. Materials and Methods

The present work follows an essentially qualitative methodology, framed within the
narrative approach, based on a documentary study [21]. In fact, the study focuses on the
analysis of news items from digital newspapers.

3.1. Procedure and Sampling

An exploratory search on the Internet was initially performed relating to smartphone
use by teenagers, in order to select the study sample. The sample was subsequently
determined using chosen criteria. The criteria chosen to delimit this digital newspapers’
sample, taking into account items published in the last four years (1 January 2018 to
31 December 2021), is as follows:
1. Spanish context;
2. Availability in the Digital Newspaper Library of the National Library of Spain (Ministry
of Culture and Sports);
3. Higher visibility index in Sistrix;
4. Best score in Comscore data from 2018 to 2021;
5. Media popularity among citizenry;
6. Inclusion of media with diverse ideologies, to allow for greater plurality.
The PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines were also used for searching and selecting
news from digital newspapers [22] (Figure 1).
Insofar as the theme for news items selection from digital newspapers is concerned,
the ones linked directly to smartphone use by teenagers have been taken into account. The
Google News tool and news clippings from digital newspapers have been very useful for
this purpose.
The final delimitation of the news sample was done after taking into account their link
with the research topic and the following descriptors: “smartphone, teenagers”; “smart-
phone, teens”; “smartphone, minors”; “mobile phone, teens”. The final sample was
configured using newspaper search engines, of the type Google News, that present three
blocks of information (for each item from the lists of results), with the following data: title
of news item, source, and a summary of the same. This facilitated final selection of the
news items and the full text. The final sample included a total of 53 newspapers, with
1704 news items relating to the study topic.
Public Health 2022, 19, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 15
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 4 of 15

1. News selection
Figureprocedure
Figure 1. News selection procedurethe
for delimiting for sample.
delimiting the sample.

3.2. Data Analysis

3.2. Data Analysis
The starting point for addressing content analysis was focused on the overall objective
The starting point
and thefor addressing
three content analysis
research questions. wasspecialists
Advice from focused was on the overall
sought objec-
for the construction
of codes and
tive and the three research executed Advice
questions. by pairs from
of researchers. They
specialists wasfirstly reviewed
sought the construc-
for the scientific literature
tion of codes and and, then consulted
executed by pairsfourof experts from Spanish
researchers. They universities to increase
firstly reviewed the level of objectivity,
scientific
adequacy and credibility of the final codification.
literature and, then consulted four experts from Spanish universities to increase level of
The inductive procedure was followed when categorizing data for first-level coding,
objectivity, adequacy
based on credibility
and of thequestions
the three research final codification.
(Table 1). The deductive process was combined with
The inductivethe
procedure
inductive was followed
process for 2ndwhen
and 3rdcategorizing
level coding.data for first-level
A deductive processcoding,
was followed
based on the three for
research questions
2nd level (Table 1).with
coding associated Thesmartphone
deductive process wasdrawbacks,
use benefits, combinedand with temporal
distribution. However, since no taxonomy was identified
the inductive process for 2nd and 3rd level coding. A deductive process was followed for in the theoretical corpus to
delimit the codes for 3rd level sub-categorization, an inductive
2nd level coding associated with smartphone use benefits, drawbacks, and temporal dis- process was chosen, which
provided an unpublished codification [23].
tribution. However, since no taxonomy was identified in the theoretical corpus to delimit
the codes for 3rd level sub-categorization, an inductive process was chosen, which pro-
vided an unpublished codification [23].

Table 1. Main category definitions.

Category Name (1st Nivel) Definition

They are identified from the news that refer to skills
 They are determined from news that reflect negative,
Drawbacks related with harmful or inconvenient circumstances/situations gen-
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 5 of 15
smartphone use erated or triggered by the use of smartphones in ado-
(RQ2) lescents: health, economic, psychosocial and academic
Table 1. Main category definitions. problems [24].
Time distribution
Category of the news
Name (1st Nivel) Definition
It is associated with the temporal distribution of the
about
Benefits smartphone
of smartphone use
They are identified from the news that refer to skills development,
news, in the respective
feelings/emotions months
promotion, tools (gregorian
and academic calendar).
opportunities derived
(RQ3)
(RQ1)
from the use of smartphones by adolescents [18].
They are determined from news that reflect negative, harmful or
Drawbacks relatedanalysis
Content with smartphone
was use
done by inconvenient
using Excel circumstances/situations
(version 2016) generated
and theorAnalysis
triggered by of
the Quali-
use
(RQ2) of smartphones in adolescents: health, economic, psychosocial and
tative Data (AQUAD) program, version 7. Information codification
academic problems [24]. involved combining
the
Time autonomous
distribution work
of the news about of the researchers
smartphone It is (codification
associated with theof raw data)
temporal with
distribution that
of the ofincollabora-
news, the
(RQ3) respective months (gregorian calendar).
tive work (to unify codification criteria and compare and resolve codification interpreta-
tion differences). Data transfer from AQUAD to Excel facilitated an organized and sub-
Content analysis was done by using Excel (version 2016) and the Analysis of Qualita-
stantial presentation of the results, besides providing the encoding frequency count. How-
tive Data (AQUAD) program, version 7. Information codification involved combining the
ever, this being qualitative
autonomousresearch,
work of theresults
researchersanalysis is not
(codification of focussed
raw data) withon that
a purely quantita-
of collaborative
tive enhancement,work that(to
is,unify codificationofcriteria
irrespective and compare
whether, and resolve
for example, it iscodification
useful tointerpretation
ascertain the
differences). Data transfer from AQUAD to Excel facilitated an organized and substantial
degree of prevalence of the type of news disseminated.
presentation of the results, besides providing the encoding frequency count. However,
this being qualitative research, results analysis is not focussed on a purely quantitative
4. Results enhancement, that is, irrespective of whether, for example, it is useful to ascertain the
degree of prevalence of the type of news disseminated.
Figure 2 provides an overview of the relationship between the main categories and
4. Results
the encoding obtained from the 2nd and 3rd levels. The different sub-headings delve in-
Figure 2 provides an overview of the relationship between the main categories and
depth into the results based on the three research questions. The results presented are
the encoding obtained from the 2nd and 3rd levels. The different sub-headings delve
accompanied by some illustrative
in-depth extract
into the results basedto
onaid
the in their
three interpretation
research and
questions. The comprehension.
results presented are
accompanied by some illustrative extract to aid in their interpretation and comprehension.

Figure
Figure 2. Relationship 2. Relationship
between between the
the obtained obtained categorisation.
categorisation.

4.1. Benefits Attributed to Smartphone Use in News (RQ1)

Multiple newspaper news items highlight development of competences by teenagers
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 6 of 15

4.1. Benefits Attributed to Smartphone Use in News (RQ1)

Multiple newspaper news items highlight development of competences by teenagers
through smartphone use. In the case of digital competence (958/1704), the news mentions
a greater development of knowledge and skills by them, as a result of using smartphones.
Also attributed among others, is the improvement and strengthening of personal autonomy
(449/1704), based on their ability to self-sufficiently accomplish tasks with smartphones
(Table 2).

Table 2. Interest that the news gives to the use of smartphone.

Categorization (1st Level): Benefits Σ

2nd Level 3rd Level f (%) *
Digital competence 958 (56.22)
Autonomy 449 (26.34)
Developed skills
Self-control 147 (8.62)
Critical thinking 138 (8.09)
School app 698 (40.96)
Tool availability Access to information 411 (24.11)
Leisure app 398 (23.35)
Motivation 413 (24.23)
Developed feelings/emotions Confidence 216 (12.67)
Joy 120 (7.04)
Gamification 309 (18.13)
Mobile Learning 267 (15.66)
Information recording 218 (12.79)
Academic opportunities
Communication 186 (10.91)
Systematization 154 (9.03)
Flipped Classroom 103 (6.04)
Total: 1704
* Legend: Σ = summation; f = Absolute frequency; % = Relative frequency.

Another parallel benefit of smartphone use by teenagers, reflected in digital news-

papers, is the one associated with self-control (147/1704). Also emphasized is the role
smartphones play in the emotional regulation of teenagers, both in the use of the device
and in its extrapolation to other situations.
Newspapers also mention them leveraging the tools provided by smartphones. In this
sense, they mention some Apps used for school content (Kahoot!, Socrative, Duolingo), for
leisure (Minecraft Earth, Pokemon Go, Jurassic World Alive), and for access to information
or diverse documentation (Edmodo, Trello, Additio App). Several news items (698/1704)
state that teachers have become facilitators and managers of academic knowledge, via
digital tools (Apps). Several news items (411/1704) present the mobile phone as a facilitator
of access to information.
Newspapers highlight the great amount of instant information available to teenagers
on their mobile phones. Some news reports indicate that this information is related to
recreational and school activities. Newspapers such as: EL CORREO, elDiario.es, and
ABC, sustain that some Apps (Among Us, Candy Crush Saga, Angry Birds Blast), despite
essentially being leisure applications, provide important benefits to the lives of teenagers.
Among these, they mention information on emergent issues. They likewise highlight that
the Leisure Apps (398/1704) are the ones most demanded by students and are useful to
them in their spare time.
Different news items mention that smartphones are used by teenagers for the perfor-
mance of daily activities (interaction with their peer group, educational activities, leisure
activities, etc.), and that they play a role in the enhancement of their feelings and emotions.
The device is likewise associated with the development of motivation (413/1704), given
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 7 of 15

that smartphones offer teenagers the possibility of achieving objectives. In this respect, the
following extract is provided:
The use of mobile devices motivates and keeps students focused, so that content
is assimilated more quickly ( . . . ), helps them to become more decisive and
self-reliant, learn to work as a team, develop more critical thinking, increase
motivation and it also makes teaching more flexible, since the support materials
provided can be adapted to the needs of every student (20minutos, 17 August
2021; news item no. 878) (accessed on 23 October 2021).
Another aspect mentioned by newspapers (216/1704) is greater self-confidence genera-
tion in teenagers by smartphones. In this sense, they state that the use of the device, during
leisure time, strengthens their sense of well-being, fundamentally through communication
with their peers.
Academic opportunities seized by teenagers using smartphones are also covered
in the different newspapers (309/1704), and are mainly related to the use of innovative
learning strategies.
On another note, newspapers highlight the educational impact of gamification (309/1704).
In this sense, it is indicated that students use the device to manage multiple resources
and digital tools for academic purposes. Moreover, digital gamification is presented as an
incentive for teachers since it contributes to student motivation. In accordance with certain
educational strategies, teachers personalize different academic activities and content, to
address students’ needs on an individual basis. Some press reports (267/1704) reveal
that teenagers increasingly use smartphones for mobile learning. The following excerpt
illustrates the case:
Experts recommend not to associate tablets and mobile phones with leisure, or
books and notebooks with study, because in the 21st century, gamification has
arrived to not only improve and make teaching more efficient to benefit students,
but also to boost their development and, in short, their experience and progress
at school (europapress, 08 September 2021; news item no. 1128) (accessed on
23 October 2021).
Some newspaper reports (218/1704) show that teachers can keep a track of students’
academic activity via smartphones. As an example, they mention correction of exercises or
academic tasks and the instant feedback possibility (186/1704). Other news items published
on the academic field are associated with flipped classrooms (103/1704). In this sense, they
highlight students’ interest in smartphones for performance of tasks in digital format.

4.2. Drawbacks Regarding Smartphones (RQ2)

Newspaper reports highlight a number of concerns associated with smartphone use
by teenagers. They emphasize the negative impact the device has on their health by
generating dependence/addiction behaviours, thus causing stress, insomnia, obesity, as
well as postural and visual problems (Table 3).
Multiple newspaper reports (386/1704) alert the public to the dependence or addiction
behaviours that excessive use of smartphones can generate in teenagers; and indicate
that it tends to cause low academic performance and deterioration of their interpersonal
relationships. Also mentioned, is that children feel anxiety when they cannot use the device.
The publication of these alarming manifestations by newspapers is primarily aimed at
alerting families and educational professionals.
Some newspaper reports (114/1704) sustain that misuse of smartphones can seriously
impair sleep and cause significant deterioration in teenagers; which in turn, could lead to
stress (216/1704) and obesity (92/1704). The following excerpt explains the same:
( . . . ) of the teenagers spent more than five hours a day using those devices. The
chances that these kids would drink sugary drinks, not do physical activity, or not
get enough hours of sleep could be up to twice as much as their peers who used
such technologies for less time. There is yet another key element: Stress. It has
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 8 of 15

been proven that an intense use of mobile phones increases levels of cortisol, the
so-called stress hormone, that makes us react in fight or flee situations (elDiario.es,
15 September 2019; news no 1007) (accessed on 23 March 2021).

Table 3. Negative effects of smartphone use on teenagers.

Categorization (1st Level): Drawbacks Σ

2nd Level 3rd Level f (%) *
Addiction/dependency 386 (22.65)
Stress 216 (12.67)
Insomnia 114 (6.69)
Health
Obesity 92 (5.39)
Postural problems 89 (5.22)
Visual impairment 76 (4.46)
Sexting 284 (16.66)
Psychosocial Nomophobia 252 (14.78)
Phubbing 102 (5.98)
Low performance 268 (15.72)
Academics Decreased motivation 121 (7.10)
Increased time wasting 93 (5.45)
Acquisition of other mobile devices 98 (5.75)
Economics Online shopping 59 (3.46)
Gambling consumption 57 (3.34)
Total: 1704
* Legend: Σ = summation; f = Absolute frequency; % = Relative frequency.

Other negative consequences reflected in different newspapers are the ones produced
by sexting (284/1704), nomophobia (252/1704) and phubbing (102/1704). Insofar as sexting
is concerned, the press reveals that public exposure of teenagers, to sexual content images
or videos through smartphones, can lead to feelings of humiliation, mistrust, loss of
self-esteem and social isolation. Newspapers warn that this practice, although initially
voluntary, could eventually harm privacy.
Some of them indicate that teenagers have access to smartphones at an early age,
which in turn gives them access to all kinds of content with few or no security measures.
As indicated above, another of the dangers that the newspapers highlight is linked to
phubbing (102/1704). Some published news (252/1704) indicates that teenagers are afraid
of being without their phone or not having signal coverage (nomophobia). In this respect,
the following extract is provided:
The emergence of mobile phones among the youngest has created new phobias
related to dependence on the device. Among these new forms of addiction,
there is one very subtle one that undermines our daily lives and becomes
an integral part of all our actions. It is called nomophobia. ( . . . ) or phobia
that arises when unable to access a working mobile phone. ( . . . ), state of
distress that pervades the individual upon the idea of losing his/her smart-
phone, running out of battery, continuously checking the phone to check for
notifications, keeping it on 24 h a day, taking it to bed, using it at the table or
at work (salamanca24h.com, 29 September 2019; news item no. 1026) (accessed on
12 November 2021).
At the academic level, the newspapers reflect multiple disadvantages derived from
smartphone use by teenagers. For example, low academic performance is mentioned in
different news items (268/1704).
Our study revealed the possible existence of economic problems generated by smart-
phone use in the teenagers’ group. In this sense, some news items (98/1704) reveal their
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 9 of 15

craving to acquire the latest devices. The launch of new models into the market arouses
great interest in them, which increasingly causes a greater expense to families.
A small news group (57/1704) reveals that gambling via smartphones, is yet another
major danger. Although under 18 years of age, they are able to access some Apps destined
for adults by committing identity fraud. Some leisure games chosen are poker, sports
forecasts, etc. The following is an excerpt:
In particular, 18.3% of boys, compared to 2.2% of girls, play on-line games as
a form of leisure and social relationships. The ones already addicted (1.22%)
are aware that they must stop playing, but acknowledge that they need to bet
more and more to achieve the desired effects, which causes them financial
losses. They also admit that they sometimes have lied about their involvement
in games and that they obtain financing from others, which is the only way to
pay off their debts. In this sense, they warn that in the case of on-line betting
by teenagers, the conversion from social player to a player with problems
happens “quite fast” and “severely affects all teenager phases since there are
no protection measures in place” and because gambling is “easily available
and accessible” (HERALDO, 11 June 2020; news item no. 658) (accessed on 24
November 2021).

4.3. Temporal Distribution of News (RQ3)

Three of the newspapers analysed have published a striking number of news items on
smartphone use by teenagers (ABC, 201/1704; europa press, 162/1704; and La Voz de Galicia,
134/1704). However, others that published with a scant frequency on the subject were: EL
DIARIO VASCO, Noticias de Gipúzkoa and La Voz De Asturias (1/1704), respectively (during
November, August and May) (Table 4).
The number of news items per month oscillated between 49 (in July) and 340 (in
September), the average being 142 in the period analysed (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021).
News items attributing benefits to smartphone use by teenagers were concentrated
in December of the study period (568/1704), wherein some highlighted the supply of
digital tools (192/821). Fewer news items associated with feelings or emotions (motivation,
confidence and joy) and academic opportunities facilitated by smartphones to teenagers
were published in January (Table 5).
Newspapers with the most news on smartphone use benefiting teenagers, include the
following: ABC, europa press and 20minutos; while those that published least on this topic
are the ones with a small print run: Lanza, La Voz de Asturias and Noticias de Gipúzkoa.
September is the month with the most news on drawbacks of smartphone use by
teenagers (324/1704). In this sense, many news items (973/1704) publish setbacks that
smartphone use can cause to health.
There was little news published on problems related to the academic field from January
to May. Likewise, hardly any news was published in January, March, April, August and
November, about the possible economic consequences of smartphone use on teenagers
(Table 6).
Among newspapers that published most on the drawbacks are major ones such as
europa press, elDiario.es and 20minutos; while the ones that reported the least were minor
local newspapers with a smaller print run (alerta digital, EL DIARIO VASCO, DIARIO DE
NAVARRA).
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 10 of 15

Table 4. News distribution by newspaper.

Period: From 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021 Σ

Digital Newspaper
J F M A M J J A S O N D f (%) *
20minutos 5 1 9 6 6 5 8 43 (2.52)
ABC 4 4 8 16 8 6 16 36 28 20 16 39 201 (11.7)
alerta digital 2 2 (0.11)
Diario16 3 4 7 (0.41)
El Confidencial 2 7 16 25 (1.46)
EL CORREO 14 2 8 6 30 (1.76)
elDiario.es 26 28 8 3 9 11 10 8 7 6 116 (6.80)
EL ESPAÑOL 5 6 11 (0.64)
EL MUNDO 5 8 6 17 14 50 (2.93)
EL PAÍS 8 7 11 12 6 5 6 11 6 8 12 92 (5.39)
elPeriódico 5 4 9 (0.52)
Elplural 8 8 (0.46)
europa press 8 18 8 7 21 9 32 22 16 21 162 (9.50)
infoLibre 6 3 9 (0.52)
LA GACETA 23 21 23 5 72 (4.22)
LA VANGUARDIA 28 32 17 17 41 39 7 181 (10.6)
Público 11 27 38 (2.23)
Última hora 21 44 65 (3.81)
Diario de Sevilla 6 4 3 13 (0.76)
Aragón digital 8 8 (0.46)
HERALDO 6 7 4 17 (0.99)
EL DIARIO MONTAÑES 7 1 8 (0.46)
Lanza 1 2 3 (0.17)
EL ADELANTADO 8 14 7 2 2 33 (1.93)
El Norte de Castilla 1 2 4 1 8 (0.46)
LA GACETA DE SALAMANCA 4 4 1 3 2 2 1 6 4 4 31 (1.81)
La Nueva Crónica 1 1 4 6 12 (0.70)
Leonoticias 8 8 (0.46)
salamanca24h.com 2 1 1 2 2 11 19 (1.11)
ara.cat 2 3 5 (0.29)
Diari DE TARRAGONA 1 4 1 6 (0.35)
METROPOLI ABIERTA 2 2 (0.11)
getafe actualidad 3 3 (0.17)
INFORMACIÓN 2 5 4 11 (0.64)
Levante 7 4 11 (0.64)
EL DIARIO VASCO 1 1 (0.05)
Gasteizhoy 2 2 (0.11)
Noticias de Gipúzkoa 1 1 (0.05)
HOY 1 2 2 1 1 1 8 (0.46)
ElCorreoGallego 1 16 3 1 21 (1.23)
Faro de Vigo 1 2 19 3 1 26 (1.52)
La Región 2 17 19 (1.11)
La Voz de Galicia 14 7 18 7 21 28 29 8 2 134 (7.86)
La Opinión A CORUÑA 8 8 (0.46)
Diario de Mallorca 2 2 (0.11)
MENORCA.info 4 3 2 5 14 (0.82)
LA PROVINCIA 2 1 2 1 2 2 10 (0.58)
EL DÍA.es 5 2 7 (0.41)
DIARIO DE NAVARRA 2 2 (0.11)
EL COMERCIO 3 2 5 (0.29)
La Voz De Asturias 1 1 (0.05)
La Opinión De MURCIA 1 2 3 (0.17)
LA VERDAD 6 11 8 6 8 15 19 10 20 18 121 (7.10)
News overall sum: 92 136 105 99 109 49 110 160 340 174 156 174 1704
* Legend: Σ = summation; f = Absolute frequency; % = Relative frequency.

Table 5. Distribution of news that attributes benefits to the use of the smartphone.

Subcategories Skills Development of Academic Σ

Tool Availability
(2nd Level) Development Feelings/Emotions Opportunities f (%) *
January 25 5 1 2 33 (1.93)
February 30 11 2 17 70 (4.10)
March 58 35 16 3 112 (6.57)
April 39 38 9 8 94 (5.51)
Number of news items May 78 19 6 2 105 (6.16)
per month (period: from June 62 26 4 9 101 (5.92)
1 January 2018 to July 80 14 9 3 106 (6.22)
31 December 2021) August 47 11 3 41 102 (5.98)
September 197 164 93 81 535 (31.39)
October 62 71 62 36 231 (13.55)
November 94 112 86 29 321 (18.83)
December 186 192 112 78 568 (33.33)
Total: 958 698 413 309
* Legend: Σ = summation; f = Absolute frequency; % = Relative frequency.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 11 of 15

Table 6. Distribution of news that attribute inconveniences to the use of the smartphone.

Subcategories Σ
Health Psychosocial Academics Economics
(2nd Level) f (%) *
January 68 46 2 5 119 (6.98)
February 24 84 3 13 124 (7.27)
March 90 68 21 3 179 (10.50)
April 95 64 2 3 144 (8.45)
Number of news
May 45 37 4 24 113 (6.63)
items per month
June 102 27 80 25 238 (13.96)
(period: from
July 87 48 80 63 278 (16.31)
1 January 2018 to
August 96 36 75 6 213 (12.5)
31 December 2021)
September 123 96 67 38 324 (19.01)
October 62 19 57 12 150 (8.80)
November 47 42 46 9 144 (8.45)
December 134 89 45 13 281 (16.49)
Total: 973 638 482 214
* Legend: Σ = summation; f = Absolute frequency; % = Relative frequency.

5. Discussion
The opportunities attributed by newspaper media to smartphone use by teenagers are
essentially linked to the development of digital competences, which would ensure safer
use of ICTs in general and smartphones in particular. However, the so-called digital native
young generations, need to learn to integrate the development of digital competence into
the different areas of their lives [25]. To this end, and in the case of teenagers, the family, the
school and the social environment have an essential role to play in the challenges associated
with digitization [26].
From the present study it becomes clear that another of the benefits highlighted by
newspapers, on smartphone use by teenagers, is the availability of digital tools (school
applications, leisure applications and access to information or documentation). In this
regard [27] indicate that many leisure Apps have valuable elements that encourage peer-to-
peer collaboration and interaction.
The newspapers reflect that teenagers regularly use smartphones in leisure activities
and in informal communication. On the other hand, it should be noted that the academic
opportunities facilitated by smartphones to teenagers are rather few. This limited dissem-
ination of news associated with academic tasks could be due to the public doubting the
credibility of the device for pedagogical purposes, although some studies indicate that boys
frequently and repeatedly use smartphones for school tasks [28]. Moreover, and within a
context of continuous technological development and transformation, some countries are
already using smartphones with teenagers, to address emerging or innovative learning
strategies [29,30]. An example of this is a pedagogical strategy called gamification that relies
on mobile devices such as smartphones. Some reasons that may have contributed to the
expansion of gamification in schools lie in the technological profile of teenagers [31]. More-
over, schools resorted to remote-learning, and teenagers hadto rely on various technologies,
for example during the pandemic [32].
This study of newspaper news items indicates that the promotion of positive feelings
and emotions (motivation, confidence and joy) in teenagers, produced by smartphone use,
reinforces their motivation, confidence and enthusiasm. Ref. [17] mentions the association
of emotions (such as gratitude or interest) with mobile phone use.
Newspapers indicate that the drawbacks from smartphone use by teenagers are:
health deterioration, psychosocial problems, and difficulties in the academic and economic
contexts. They highlight the generation of dependency or addiction behaviours in teenagers.
In this sense, ref. [33] also sustain that youngsters constantly use this mobile device.
The present study shows that smartphone use by teenagers has created new phobias
such as phubbing or nomophobia. These issues can jeopardise teenagers’ lives by becoming
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 12 of 15

part of their daily habits. Newspapers warn that the main concerns of families are that their
children may misuse their smartphones. Of special concern to them is the development of
sexting practices [34,35]. Given that sexting involves intimate content, such diffusion would
imply a loss of privacy and cause grievance to the victim’s reputation, deterioration of
his/her public image, loss of self-esteem, etc. Some studies have also found these adverse
effects [36–38].
The news about smartphone use by teenagers succinctly reflects the poor school per-
formance it causes and the consequent deterioration of academic qualifications. Although
scientific literature echoes the drawbacks triggered by this device, it also attributes great
educational potential by highlighting its positive effects on learning [39,40].
The main issues reported by newspapers about smartphone use by teenagers are
related to the needs of their daily lives and the influence of the environment. This,
along with new habits acquired, marks a turning point in the use initially attributed
to smartphones [41]. For example, teens use them for on-line shopping and gambling.
These games are pleasant and entertaining, but can trigger frustration and great concern
or family problems.
The distribution of news published in the newspapers over the past 4 years is quite
irregular. December was the month with the largest number of news items published on
benefits of smartphone use in teenagers that emphasized the interest for diverse digital
tools. On the other hand, September was the month in which there was abundant news
on the drawbacks of the device. This may be conditioned by the fact that the academic
year begins in September in many countries. Thus, the news warns general readers and,
particularly families and professionals in the psycho-socio-educational field, about the
possible problems generated by smartphone use in minors [42]. Such news furthermore
contributes to encouraging reflection and debate in the public sphere, and recommends
incorporation of prevention measures and alerting those affected.
The competent administration, society, educators and the family environment must
be aware of the risks of smartphone use by teenagers in order to act accordingly [43].
Therefore, psycho-socio-educational prevention actions from the school environment must
offer targeted protection to minors. Hence, the family must be actively involved as a
fundamental and necessary support unit [44]. Multidisciplinary intervention measures
are furthermore recommended to encourage responsible use of mobile devices and to
strengthen their digital, emotional and psychosocial skills [45]. Clear and effective stan-
dards must be established to guarantee proper use of ICTs in the family environment and
in schools [46,47]. This requires agreement or consensus to be reached on usage rules and
times by/with teenagers.

6. Conclusions
The present study shows that smartphone use by teenagers is mainly associated
with beneficial practice patterns (mainly linked to the development of digital competence,
availability of resources for leisure, promotion of feelings or emotions, and motivation).
However, such use is linked to a lesser extent with negative effects (health deterioration),
psychosocial problems (sexting, nomophobia and phubbing), academic problems (poor
school performance), and economic problems (on-line shopping and gambling).
There is a marked trend in the widely read newspapers of publishing positive news
on smartphone use by teenagers in December; but most of them published the negative
effects of the device in September.

7. Study Limitations and Future Prospects

This study offers a view of reality after analysing news published only in the main
Spanish digital newspapers. Future research on the use of smartphones by teenagers
should therefore contain a geographically extended sample and include newspaper news
items from different countries. Probably, another limitation of this study derives from
the ideological/political, cultural and economic biases that may be present in the digital
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 13 of 15

newspapers under analysis. It would be interesting to include the perspective of teenagers,

education professionals and the family to contrast the results.
Future studies should analyse the view of social networks on smartphone use by
teenagers; as well as delve in-depth into the family problems arising as a result of such use
by teenagers.

Author Contributions: M.-C.R. conceived and coordinated the study, participated in its design, data
analysis, and drafted the manuscript; S.M.-C. conceived of the study, participated in its design, data
collection and contributed to drafting the manuscript; I.M.-C. conceived of the study, participated
in its design, data collection and contributed to drafting the manuscript; M.-C.R. participated in
interpretation of the data; S.M.-C. participated in interpretation of the data; I.M.-C. participated
in interpretation of the data; M.-C.R. contributed to the conceptualization of the study and the
interpretation of findings and evaluated the quality of studies. All authors have been involved in
drafting and critically revising the manuscript for important intellectual content. All authors have
read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: Not applicable.
Acknowledgments: We would like to thank the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Uni-
versities for their support towards the development of a research project about mobile phone use
(Ref.: FPU16/00855).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Disclaimer: The methods, results and conclusions are strictly the responsibility of the authors.

References
1. Miralles Martínez, P.; Gómez Carrasco, C.J.; Monteagudo Fernández, J. Perceptions on the use of ICT resources and mass-media
for the teaching of History. A comparative study among future teachers of Spain-England. Educ. XX1 2019, 22, 187–211.
2. Dean, J. How smartphones have changed the job for better and for worse the experiences of reporters. J. Pract. 2019, 13, 1222–1237.
[CrossRef]
3. Edo, C.; Yunquera, J.; Bastos, H. Content syndication in news aggregators. Towards devaluation of professional journalistic
criterio. Comunicar 2019, 27, 29–38. [CrossRef]
4. Meng, H.; Cao, H.; Hao, R.; Zhou, N.; Liang, Y.; Wu, L.; Jiang, L.; Ma, R.; Li, B.; Deng, L.; et al. Smartphone use motivation and
problematic smartphone use in a national representative sample of Chinese adolescents: The mediating roles of smartphone use
time for various activities. J. Behav. Addict. 2020, 9, 163–174. [CrossRef]
5. Parent, N.; Dadgar, K.; Xiao, B.; Hesse, C.; Shapka, J.D. Social disconnection during COVID-19: The role of attachment, fear of
missing out, and smartphone use. J. Res. Adolesc. 2021, 31, 748–763. [CrossRef]
6. Toh, S.H.; Coenen, P.; Howie, E.K.; Smith, A.J.; Mukherjee, S.; Mackey, D.A.; Straker, L.M. A prospective longitudinal study of
mobile touch screen device use and musculoskeletal symptoms and visual health in adolescents. Appl. Ergon. 2020, 85, 103028.
[CrossRef]
7. Ching, C.C.; Hagood, D. Activity Monitor Gaming and the Next Generation Science Standards: Students Engaging with Data,
Measurement Limitations, and Personal Relevance. J. Sci. Educ. Technol. 2019, 28, 589–601. [CrossRef]
8. Duso, L.M.; Cerutti, E. Docencia y cultura digital: La formación del ciberprofesor. Tend. Pedagógicas 2017, 30, 207–226.
9. Deprez, A.; Van Leuven, S. About Pseudo Quarrels and Trustworthiness. J. Stud. 2017, 19, 1257–1274. [CrossRef]
10. Amoedo, A.; Vara-Miguel, A.; Negredo, S.; Moreno, E.; Kaufmann, J. Digital News Report España 2021. Serv. Publ. Univ. Navar.
2021. [CrossRef]
11. National Observatory of Telecommunications and the Information Society. The Networked Society. Digital Transformation in Spain.
Annual Report 2019; ONTSI: Madrid, Spain, 2020.
12. Pedrero-Esteban, L.M.; Barrios-Rubio, A.; Medina-Ávila, V. Teenagers, smartphones and digital audio consumption in the age of
Spotify. Comunicar 2019, 60, 103–112. [CrossRef]
13. AIMC (Ed.) General Framework of the Media in Spain; EGM: Madrid, Spain, 2022; pp. 1–78.
14. National Institute of Statistics. Survey on Equipment and Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Households; National
Institute of Statistics: Madrid, Spain, 2018.
15. National Observatory of Telecommunications and the Information Society. The Use of Technology by Minors in Spain; ONTSI:
Madrid, Spain, 2022.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 14 of 15

16. Lawes, M.; Hetschko, C.; Sakshaug, J.W.; Grießemer, S. Contact modes and participation in app-based smartphone surveys:
Evidence from a large-scale experiment. Soc. Sci. Comput. Rev. 2021, 22, 355–362. [CrossRef]
17. Lee, S. Her Story or their own stories? Digital game-based learning, student creativity, and creative writing. ReCALL 2019, 31,
238–254. [CrossRef]
18. Park, J.H.; Park, M. Smartphone use patterns and problematic smartphone use among preschool children. PLoS ONE 2021,
16, e0244276. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
19. Collie, R.J. The development of social and emotional competence at school: An integrated model. Int. J. Behav. Dev. 2020, 44,
76–87. [CrossRef]
20. Gong, J.; Huang, Y.; Chow, P.I.; Fua, K.; Gerber, M.S.; Teachman, B.A.; Barnes, L.E. Understanding behavioral dynamics of social
anxiety among college students through smartphone sensors. Inf. Fusion 2019, 49, 57–68. [CrossRef]
21. Powell, D. Critical ethnography in schools: Reflections on power, positionality, and privilege. Int. J. Qual. Stud. Educ. 2021, 35,
18–31. [CrossRef]
22. Page, M.J.; McKenzie, J.; Bossuyt, P.; Boutron, I.; Hoffmann, T.; Mulrow, C.D.; Moher, D. The PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated
guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ 2021, 372, 1–11.
23. Charmaz, K. Constructing Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide through Qualitative Analysis; Sage Publications: London, UK, 2006.
24. Kuss, D.J.; Harkin, L.; Kanjo, E.; Billieux, J. Problematic Smartphone Use: Investigating Contemporary Experiences Using a
Convergent Design. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 142. [CrossRef]
25. Kim, H.J.; Hong, A.J.; Song, H.-D. The roles of academic engagement and digital readiness in students’ achievements in university
e-learning environments. Int. J. Educ. Technol. High. Educ. 2019, 16, 1–18. [CrossRef]
26. González Martín, M.R.; Jover, G.; Torrego, A.A. Home, school, and city: Cultivating language in a digital world. Rev. Española
Pedagog. 2021, 79, 145–159.
27. Wasserman, J.A.; Rittenour, C.E. Who wants to play? Cueing perceived sex-based stereotypes of games. Comput. Hum. Behav.
2019, 91, 252–262. [CrossRef]
28. Buttussi, F.; Chittaro, L. Effects of Different Types of Virtual Reality Display on Presence and Learning in a Safety Training
Scenario. IEEE Trans. Vis. Comput. Graph. 2020, 24, 1063–1076. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
29. Alexander, B.; Ashford-Rowe, K.; Barajas-Murphy, N.; Dobbin, G.; Knott, J.; McCormack, M.; Pomerantz, J.; Seilhamer, R.;
Weber, N. Gaming and gamification: High hopes and campus realities. Educase 2019, 38–41. Available online: https://library.
educause.edu/-/media/files/library/2019/4/2019horizonreport (accessed on 7 January 2022).
30. Zainuddin, Z.; Chu, S.K.W.; Shujahat, M.; Perera, C.J. The impact of gamification on learning and instruction: A systematic review
of empirical evidence. Educ. Res. Rev. 2020, 30, 100326. [CrossRef]
31. Liu, X.; Chu, S. Exploring the effects of gamification pedagogy on children’s reading: A mixed-method study on academic
performance, reading-related mentality and behaviors, and sustainability. Br. J. Educ. Technol. 2021, 52, 160–178. [CrossRef]
32. Guazzini, A.; Pesce, A.; Gino, F.; Duradoni, M. How the COVID-19 Pandemic changed adolescents’ use of technologies, sense of
community, and loneliness: A retrospective perception analysis. Behav. Sci. 2022, 12, 228. [CrossRef]
33. Fu, X.; Liu, J.; Liu, R.-D.; Ding, Y.; Wang, J.; Zhen, R.; Jin, F. Parental Monitoring and Adolescent Problematic Mobile Phone Use:
The Mediating Role of Escape Motivation and the Moderating Role of Shyness. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 1487.
[CrossRef]
34. Bogner, J.; Hadley, W.; Franz, D.; Barker, D.H.; Houck, C.D. Sexting as a Predictor of First-Time Sexual Behavior among At-Risk
Early Adolescents. J. Early Adolesc. 2022, 1–23. [CrossRef]
35. Turzák, T.; Kurincová, V.; Hollá, K.; Zelená, H. Sexting and family environment of children and adolescents. J. Interdiscip. Res.
2020, 10, 326–330.
36. Elhai, J.D.; Gallinari, E.F.; Rozgonjuk, D.; Yang, H.B. Depression, anxiety and fear of missing out as correlates of social, non-social
and problematic smartphone use. Addict. Behav. 2020, 105, 106335. [CrossRef]
37. Mori, C.; Choi, H.J.; Temple, J.R.; Madigan, S. Patterns of sexting and sexual behaviors in youth: A latent class analysis. J. Adolesc.
2021, 88, 97–106. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
38. Rono, H.K.; Bastawrous, A.; Macleod, D.; Wanjala, E.; DiTanna, G.; Weiss, H.A.; Burton, M.J. Smartphone-based screening
for visual impairment in Kenyan school children: A cluster randomised controlled trial. Lancet Glob. Health 2018, 6, 924–932.
[CrossRef]
39. Da Costa, R.; Vieira, W.; Imafuku, R.S.; Pereira, E.F.M. Uso do smartphone na investigação sobre propriedades de quadriláteros
notáveis. UNIÓN-Rev. Iberoam. Educ. Matemática 2021, 17, 140–159.
40. Kates, A.; Wu, H.; Coryn, C. The effects of mobile phone use on academic performance: A meta-analysis. Comput. Educ. 2018, 127,
107–112. [CrossRef]
41. Ricoy, M.-C.; Martínez-Carrera, S. The informal use of the smartphone by adolescents in residential care: A challenge to promote
the socio-educative intervention. Educ. XX1 2020, 23, 459–482.
42. Ricoy, M.-C.; Martínez-Carrera, S. Digital newspapers’ perspectives about adolescents’ smartphone use. Sustainability 2021,
13, 5316. [CrossRef]
43. Abbasi, G.A.; Jagaveeran, M.; Goh, Y.N.; Tariq, B. The impact of type of content use on smartphone addiction and academic
performance: Physical activity as moderator. Technol. Soc. 2021, 64, 101521. [CrossRef]
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 15068 15 of 15

44. Greene-Colozzi, E.A.; Winters, G.M.; Blasko, B.; Jeglic, E.L. Experiences and perceptions of online sexual solicitation and grooming
of minors: A retrospective report. J. Child Sex. Abuse 2020, 29, 836–854. [CrossRef]
45. Joleby, M.; Lunde, C.; Landstrom, S.; Jonsson, L.S. Offender strategies for engaging children in online sexual activity. Child Abus.
Negl. 2021, 120, 105214. [CrossRef]
46. Hicks, M.R.; Kernsmith, P.; Smith-Darden, J. Does sexting predict sexual behaviors among adolescents? Gender and race effects.
J. Adolesc. 2021, 93, 126–133. [CrossRef]
47. Lunde, C.; Joleby, M. Being under pressure to sext: Adolescents’ experiences, reactions, and counter-strategies. J. Res. Adolesc.
2022, 1–14. [CrossRef] [PubMed]