PATTERNS OF USE OF SMART PHONES AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THANE CITY, MAHARASHTRA

Rupali Gajare; Rucha Wagh; Sundaram Kartikeyan; Sandhya Khadse

Volume : IX, Issue : IV, April - 2020

PATTERNS OF USE OF SMART PHONES AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN THANE CITY, MAHARASHTRA

Rupali Gajare, Rucha Wagh, Sundaram Kartikeyan, Sandhya Khadse

Abstract :

This cross–sectional interview–based study was conducted on urban adolescents (31 females & 31 males) to study the duration and patterns of use of smart phones. The mean age of female participants was 15.90 +/– 2.77 years while that for their male counterparts was 16.83 +/– 2.21 years and the gender difference in age distribution was not significant (Z=0.126; p=0.889). There was significant difference in education (Z=2.265; p=0.023) and occupation (Z=2.896; p=0.003) of mothers of female and male participants but no significant difference was observed in education and occupation of fathers of the respondents. The preferred time for playing video games on smart phones was in the evening for females and between 8 PM and midnight for boys, exhibiting significant gender difference (Z=2.863; p=0.004). The gender difference in smart phone usage was significant (Z=2.243; p=0.025). Interventional strategies ought to find remedies like involving adolescents in various activities during their leisure time.