Effect of Digital Detox Program on Electronic Screen Addiction among Early Adolescent students in Port Said City

Salama, Elsayed Elgaryhi; Mahmoud, Amal Sobhy; El-said, Sohier Goda; Gabal, Samar Atiya

doi:10.21608/pssjn.2025.399623.1369

Effect of Digital Detox Program on Electronic Screen Addiction among Early Adolescent students in Port Said City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health Department- Faculty of Nursing- Port Said University- Port Said- Egypt

² Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, nursing ,port said university .port said , Egypt

³ Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health -Faculty of Nursing - Port Said University

⁴ psychiatric nursing and mental health , faculty of nursing, port said university, port said

10.21608/pssjn.2025.399623.1369

Abstract

Background: The rising prevalence of electronic screen addiction among early adolescents poses significant threats to their mental, physical, and academic well-being. As digital consumption continues to surge, there is an urgent need for effective interventions to mitigate excessive screen use. Aim: This study aimed to explore the effect of a digital detox program on electronic screen addiction among early adolescent students in Port Said City. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design was utilized. The study was conducted in four randomly selected governmental preparatory schools in Port Said. A purposive sample of 150 students aged 12–15 years who met the inclusion criteria participated. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and the Electronic Screen Addiction Scale. Results: The findings revealed a statistically significant reduction in screen usage behaviours and addiction levels post-program and at follow-up (p < 0.001). Notably, excessive screen time decreased from 54.7% to 4.0%, and compulsive behaviour scores reduced. Similarly, loss of control indicators improved significantly. Overall addiction scores declined post-program. Conclusion: The digital detox program effectively reduced electronic screen addiction among early adolescents. Significant improvements were observed in screen usage patterns, compulsive behaviours, and control over screen use. Recommendations: The study recommends integrating digital detox education into school health programs and promoting parental involvement. Further research should investigate the long-term effects of such programs.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health

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