Effect of Multi-Screen Addiction on Sleep Quality and Self-Control among Preparatory School Students

Abstract

The growing trend of multi-screen use among preparatory school students raises concerns about potential addiction. While mobile touchscreen devices (smartphones and tablets) are ubiquitous, we lack a clear understanding of how these students use them and why this behavior is on the rise. The aim of this study: is to examine the effect of multi-screen addiction on sleep quality and self-control among preparatory school students. Subjects and Methods: A study design that was cross-sectional was employed. In this study, 300 students from certain preparatory schools connected to Minia City of Minia Governorate were included in a multistage random sample. Four tools were used in this research involved; 1st tool: A structured interviewing questionnaire, first Part: Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, second Part: multi-screen history, 2nd Tool: a multi-screen addiction scale, 3rd Tool: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 4th Tool: Brief Self-Control Scale. Results: More than half of the studied sample had high multi-screen addiction; the majority of them had unsatisfactory sleep quality and low self-control levels. Also, there was a highly statistically significant correlation between multi-screen addiction and studied sample sleep quality and their self-control level. Conclusion: A current research highlighted that multi-screen addiction improved among preparatory school students as well as its impact reversely on their quality of sleep and self-control. Recommendation: Preparatory students need continuous education on multi-screen use. Programs can teach responsible digital habits, including time management and identifying both the risks and benefits of multi-screening, to empower students for success.