The Association Between Excessive Smartphone Use, Insomnia, and Academic Performance Among Middle School Adolescents in Morocco

¹ Laboratory of Biology and Health, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco.
² Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco.
³ Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques, Fez, Morocco.

^* Corresponding author email: nadia.meskini@uit.ac.ma / meskininadia1989@gmail.com

Abstract

The study focuses on the intricate relationship between excessive smartphone use, insomnia, and academic performance among middle school adolescents in Kenitra, Morocco. It also seeks to understand how gender and school type influence these variables and what implications this may have for the well-being of adolescents. Data were collected through specific questionnaires assessing smartphone usage (SAS), levels of insomnia (measured by the ISI score), and academic performance (S2 grades) among adolescents from various schools, both public and private. These data were then subjected to statistical analyses, such as the Mann-Whitney test and the Student’s t-test, using the SPSS software. The results reveal significant trends. Among Kenitra adolescents, 37.4% are excessive smartphone users, with a higher prevalence among boys (37.7%) compared to girls (31.9%). Additionally, belonging to a private school is associated with a higher rate of excessive smartphone usage compared to public schools. Furthermore, excessive smartphone users exhibit significantly higher insomnia scores (11.015) than non-excessive users (9.272). Regarding academic performance, excessive smartphone users obtain significantly lower averages (13.915) than non-excessive users (14.949). These findings highlight the concerning impact of excessive smartphone use on insomnia and academic performance among middle school adolescents in Kenitra, Morocco. They also underscore the importance of considering gender and school type in awareness and intervention programs. To promote a healthy balance between technology and adolescents’ well-being, educational and preventive measures are necessary. In conclusion, these results call for action to preserve the well-being of adolescents in the specific context of Kenitra, Morocco.