Publication date: 05-09-2025 at 2:53 pm
In the report “Digital balance: how young people experience their telephone use and mental health” Read the findings of a qualitative study among 90 young people in Tilburg. GGD Hart voor Brabant conducted the research.
The research shows that young people regard their phone as indispensable for school, social contacts and relaxation. At the same time, they struggle with negative consequences such as distraction, sleeping problems and feelings of guilt.
“It would be nice if I had separated my social and useful things from the unnoticed things.”
Young people are aware of the functioning of algorithms and actively use strategies to keep a grip on their telephone use, such as the removal of apps during test weeks or physically removing the phone. MBO students emphasize their own responsibility in this process.
“If you want you not to be distracted, you just stop the phone. […] You cannot shift everything on that phone, it ultimately lies with yourself. ”
In order to further explore the results from this qualitative research, an in -depth analysis was performed on the Health Monitor for Youth, in which the relationship between telephone use and mental well -being investigated. This shows that girls are more sensitive to social pressure via social media, and that problematic use is related to lower mental health.
The findings underline the importance of education on digital self -regulation and offer valuable starting points for parents, schools and policy makers.
The research is part of the Young Minds Matter approach, in which the GGD works together with partners in the municipality of Tilburg to promote the mental health of young people.
Read more?
Read the full report!
Also have a look at Young Minds Matter for the other studies conducted in the context of this approach.
