problematic social media use among child and adolescent psychiatry consultants: family risk factors

Abstract

Introduction the problematic use of social media (PUSM) is considered nowadays as a behavioural addiction. Social media seem to provide an ephemeral escape especially for children suffering from dysfunctional families and abuse. Objectives To study in a population of children and adolescents followed in outpatient child psychiatry unit, the prevalence, and family risk factors related to PUSM. Methods a descriptive study was conducted among child and adolescent psychiatry consultants. Parents were asked to provide answers for the BSMAS (Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale). We used a self-administered questionnaire and the BSMAS to assess patients’ social media’s use characteristics and the APGAR Family Test to assess their satisfaction with their family functioning. Results The prevalence of PUSM was estimated at 9.2% in our population according to the conservative approach, rising to 48.7% according to the liberal approach. APGAR Family Test scores were negatively correlated with BSMAS scores (Pearson’s coefficient= -0.37; p=0.002). Significantly higher scores were found in cases of exposure to physical (p=0.001) or moral (p=0.037) abuse and among patients who witnessed spousal violence (p=0.041), and whose parents had a lower level of education. A positive and significant correlation was found between parents’ and adolescents’ BSMAS scores (p=0.04). Conclusions Psychopathological fragility triggered by poor family functioning expose to the risk of PUSM. The implementation of preventive strategies and a rigorous and global management of these adolescents are imperative to fight against this disorder. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• APGAR Family Test
• social media
• Child and adolescent
• Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale