Exercise Reduces Mobile Phone Dependence

A recent study published in the journal “Frontiers” has highlighted the significant impact of exercise on reducing mobile phone dependence in children and adolescents. The research aimed to evaluate various exercise regimens and their effectiveness in tackling this growing issue among young users.

The study’s findings indicate that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, characterized by sessions lasting 40–45 minutes, performed three times a week over a period of approximately 12 weeks, can lead to substantial improvements. The meta-analysis encompassed evaluations from multiple studies focusing on children and teenagers aged 6 to 19, who are experiencing mobile phone dependency.

Key results from the analysis showed that aerobic exercise led to a significant reduction in mobile phone dependence, while combined exercise modes did not demonstrate statistically significant effects. The research established that the intensity, frequency, and duration of exercise sessions were crucial factors influencing the intervention outcomes. In particular, sessions conducted three times a week offered the most pronounced effects, while durations of 40 to 45 minutes per session yielded the highest efficacy in alleviating symptoms of mobile phone dependence.

Dr Liu Chang, one of the researchers, stated, “The present findings emphasize the potential of structured physical activities as a viable approach to manage mobile phone addiction among adolescents. Our study found that a consistent moderate exercise routine can foster improved self-regulation and reduce reliance on mobile devices.”

The exploration of intervention design revealed that various subgroups—including the intensity of exercise and the overall duration—played significant roles in leveraging exercise as a means of treatment. The research reported a strong effect size associated with moderate activities, indicating that higher intensity levels had a more beneficial impact than lower-intensity activities.

In assessing the optimal frequency of exercise, the study noted that engaging in physical activity three times weekly was most effective, consistent with guidelines set by the World Health Organization. Furthermore, while longer exercise periods showed some positive effects, the diminishing returns observed after initial phases suggests that a balance must be struck to ensure the interventions remain effective without becoming overly burdensome.

This study sheds light on the pressing issue of mobile phone dependence among young people, with statistics illustrating that, as of 2022, around 193 million underage internet users in China were predominantly reliant on mobile phones for access to the internet. Such dependency can lead to various negative health implications, including poor academic performance and increased risks of psychological issues.

While the findings underscore the potential of exercise as a treatment strategy, the researchers also noted limitations, such as the variability in study quality and the need for further exploration into different levels of mobile phone dependence severity. They advocate for more rigorous, large-scale studies to refine exercise-based interventions tailored to children and adolescents facing mobile phone dependency challenges.

In summary, the research presents compelling evidence supporting the role of structured physical activity in combating mobile phone addiction among youth, potentially opening pathways toward healthier and more engaged lifestyles for future generations.