Smartphone use, nomophobia, and academic achievement in Vietnamese high school students

Abstract

Nomophobia, the fear of being without one's smartphone, is pervasive among students globally, yet its relationship with smartphone uses and academic achievement remains underexplored, particularly in countries like Vietnam. This cross-sectional study examined 950 students from six high schools in Central Vietnam. Results revealed that 60.1% of participants used smartphones for over three years, dedicating an average of 5.73 h daily. Nomophobia prevalence reached 99.9%, with 23.7% exhibiting severe levels. Females and older students displayed higher nomophobia levels than males and younger peers. A robust correlation emerged between nomophobia and daily phone-checking frequency. The study emphasizes the urgent need for further research to uncover contributing mechanisms to nomophobia and develop interventions promoting responsible smartphone use among students, providing valuable insights into an increasingly prevalent concern impacting the academic landscape.