Problematic Smartphone Use in Adolescence
Davide Viola
This study presents the case of Marco, an adolescent with problematic smartphone use, treated using a mindfulness-based protocol called Mindful Internet. Specifically designed for adolescents aged 10 to 20, the programme integrates cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness meditation practices, promoting critical awareness of digital technology use. Structured into eight weekly sessions and a digital detox day, the intervention focuses on developing self-regulation skills, body awareness, and emotional management while encouraging reduced screen time and enhanced social and familial relationships. By the end of the treatment, Marco demonstrated significant improvements, including a drastic reduction in smartphone use (from 10 hours to 3-4 hours per day), decreased depressive symptoms (BDI score: 10), increased awareness and self-control (MAAS-A score: 58), and an improvement in emotional skills (EQ-i: YV score: 90). These findings highlight the protocol's potential efficacy in enhancing psychological well-being and balancing digital and offline life. However, further studies with control groups and long-term follow-ups are needed to validate these results..
Keywords
Mindfulness, Adolescence, Problematic smartphone use, Digital addictions, Mindful Internet.
