JOURNAL OF HUMAN KINETICS & HEALTH EDUCATION PEDAGOGY

PATTERNS OF ADOLESCENT DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH VULNERABILITIES

Abstract

The rapid integration of digital technologies into adolescents’ daily lives has raised growing concerns about their implications for mental health, particularly in low and middle-income countries. This study examined patterns of digital tool use and their associations with anxiety, stress symptoms, and sleep disturbances among Nigerian adolescents. Employing a descriptive research design, data were collected from 414 secondary school students using a structured self-report instrument that assessed digital engagement patterns, anxiety and stress symptoms, and sleep disturbances. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were utilized to address the study objectives. Findings revealed that digital engagement among adolescents was predominantly mobile-based, characterized by prolonged daily use and a strong focus on entertainment-related activities. While digital tool use showed no direct association with anxiety and stress symptoms, it was significantly linked to sleep disturbances. These sleep disturbances, in turn, demonstrated a moderate and statistically significant relationship with anxiety and stress symptoms, indicating an indirect pathway from digital engagement to mental health outcomes. The study recommends integrating structured digital literacy and mental health education programs within secondary school curricula to promote responsible digital tool use among adolescents. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity for collaboration among parents, educators, and mental health professionals in developing preventive interventions that mitigate the psychological risks associated with excessive digital engagement.