Today’s teenagers are wired like never before, with smartphones serving as crucial lifelines to their social worlds and educational resources. A recent research report prepared by academics at Stellenbosch University takes a deep dive into this phenomenon, offering a comprehensive overview of how South African teens utilise their smartphones both at home and in school.

Teenagers using cellphone as social lifelines

Conducted by Drs Daniël le Roux and Jennifer Feldman, the study involved collaboration with five former Model C high schools, engaging a significant number of participants, including 2,195 adolescents, 2,264 parents, and 203 teachers. The findings reveal patterns of smartphone ownership, usage frequency, social media engagement, and the extent of parental control over screen time.

Social Media Engagement and Gender Differences

Almost all of the adolescents surveyed possess smartphones, spending an average of 197 minutes—or approximately 3 hours and 17 minutes—each day on their devices. Interestingly, this habit appears to diverge along gender lines, with girls averaging 219 minutes compared to boys' 176 minutes. Usage also trends upwards with age, as older teens are likely to spend more time engaged with their devices.

When it comes to social media, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube dominate. Here again, gender differences become apparent; over 12% of girls report continuously checking these platforms, while boys favour mobile gaming, dedicating an average of 22.6 minutes per day compared to girls at 19.9 minutes. In contrast, boys outpace girls in computer and console gaming, averaging 33.6 minutes compared to girls' 10.9 minutes.

Parental Control and Screen Time Limitations

Despite the extensive use of smartphones, the study uncovered a surprising trend: a significant number of parents do not regulate their children's screen time. The results indicated that nearly 60% of adolescents mentioned their parents never impose limits on their phone usage, while only 7% reported having their screen time consistently restricted. Notably, boys are subjected to more regular screen time limitations than girls.

Smartphones in the Classroom

Smartphone usage extends into the classroom, where 93% of adolescents report bringing their phones to school daily. The primary motivation cited is the need to stay connected with parents regarding after-school activities. Some schools utilise mobile applications to relay administrative information, complicating efforts to ban smartphone use entirely during school hours. While many educators acknowledge the integration of smartphones into teaching, they typically advocate for restricted usage, allowing phones only with their permission.

The Role of AI Tools in Education

A compelling finding of the report suggests that teenagers are increasingly turning to advanced AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Meta AI, to assist in school projects, raising concerns about the implications for their cognitive development and learning outcomes. The researchers have highlighted the need for further study in this area and the establishment of guidelines for appropriate smartphone use in educational settings.

Conclusion: A Call for Balanced Regulation

While the research offers valuable insights, it is crucial to note that the data predominantly represents adolescents from former Model C schools and may not accurately reflect the experiences of teenagers in underserved or rural communities, as attempts to include those institutions did not secure participation.

The findings from this study invite parents, educators, and policymakers to engage in a broader debate about smartphone usage. While the digital landscape presents educational opportunities, it also warrants a careful examination of the potential pitfalls associated with smartphone habits. The researchers advocate for balanced and nuanced approaches to regulation—ones that acknowledge the diverse roles smartphones play in adolescents' lives and the rapid evolution of technology.