Nomophobia and Its Impact on Mental Health Among School Students During The COVID-19 Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in extended lockdowns and home confinement, drastically ‎altering daily routines and increasing reliance on digital devices. Smartphones became essential tools ‎for education, communication, and entertainment, but their excessive use has raised mental health ‎concerns, especially among adolescents. This study investigates the relationship between ‎nomophobia (the fear of being without a mobile phone) and mental health outcomes in school ‎students during the lockdown.‎ Aim: To examine the impact of mobile phone usage on mental health, specifically levels of depression, ‎anxiety, and stress, among school students during the COVID-19 lockdown.‎ Methodology: A correlational research design was employed to explore the association between nomophobia and ‎mental health indicators. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of ‎nomophobia. A paired t-test assessed differences in smartphone usage pre- and post-lockdown. ‎Standardized tools were used to measure levels of smartphone addiction, depression, anxiety, and ‎stress among participants.‎ Results: The study found a 53% prevalence of nomophobia among school students, with female students ‎showing higher levels than males. There was a significant increase in the average time spent online, ‎exceeding two hours per day post-lockdown. Higher smartphone addiction scores correlated ‎significantly with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.‎ Conclusion: The findings suggest a strong link between increased smartphone dependency and deteriorating ‎mental health among school students during the COVID-19 lockdown. This underscores the need ‎for targeted interventions to address digital overuse and promote mental well-being among ‎adolescents.‎