CBT Peer Groups Prevent Smartphone Dependence Among Migrant Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-based peer support groups in preventing smartphone dependence among Chinese migrant children. Methods: Using a nonrandomized pretest–posttest design, 60 participants ( Mage = 13.92, SD = 1.39, 68.3% female) were assigned to intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The intervention consisted of CBT-based peer support sessions. Results: Analysis was by intention-to-treat. The 2 × 3 mixed repeated measures analysis of variance indicated significant group differences in smartphone dependence ( F = 6.450, p = .002), with the intervention group showing reduced dependence at the posttest and at a three-month follow-up. Conclusion: CBT-based peer support groups exhibit the potential for mitigating smartphone dependence among migrant children.