Digital Device Dependency and Quality of Life Among Middle-Schoolers in Istanbul, Türkiye

Background

Adolescent screen time is a growing public health concern linked to various well-being dimensions. This study identifies independent predictors of digital device dependency and its association with Quality of Life (QoL) in middle-school students.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 802 middle-school students (grades 5–8) in Bağcılar, Istanbul in September–October 2025. Digital device dependency and QoL subscales were assessed with sociodemographic and screen-time variables. Backward stepwise linear regression identified independent predictors (n = 663, excluding 139 for missing data). Gender-based interaction terms were tested but none reached significance.

Results

Among 802 participants (503 females, 299 males; age 11.5±1.2), males showed higher dependency (27.1±10.9 vs 24.8±10.9, p = 0.003). Regression (R²=0.360, adj.R²=0.350, F(10,652)=36.69, p < 0.001) found 10 predictors. Weekday (β = 0.235, p < 0.001) and weekend (β = 0.194, p < 0.001) non-academic screen time were top risk factors. Protective factors included school attachment (β=-0.197, p < 0.001), physical activity (β=-0.126, p = 0.001), and emotional well-being (β=-0.096, p = 0.010). Peer relations (β = 0.126, p = 0.001), weekday outdoor time (β = 0.096, p = 0.003), weekend sleep (β=-0.091, p = 0.005), home internet (β = 0.069, p = 0.029), and smartphone ownership (β = 0.067, p = 0.043) were significant.

Conclusions

Non-academic screen time was the strongest predictor of digital device dependency, while school attachment and emotional well-being were protective. Interventions targeting screen-time reduction, school engagement, and physical activity among early adolescents may help mitigate digital device dependency, however the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference, and longitudinal studies are warranted.

Key messages

• Non-academic screen time is the strongest correlate of digital device dependency in early adolescents.

• Fostering school attachment and physical activity are vital protective factors against digital dependency.