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9NEWS CORNERSmartphone AddictionRecently, a city in central Japan has drafted an ordinance seeking to limit residents%u2019 use of smartphones to less than two hours a day outside their work and studies. Smartphone have become essential tools in our daily activity, used for internet banking, shopping, accessing information, entertainment and social media. However, various studies have found that smartphone addiction is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes.Several problematic behaviours related to information technology, such as internet gaming, social media overuse and inappropriate sexual behaviours, may result in compulsive engagement. Smartphones differ from traditional internet use on computers because they allow access to the internet continuously regardless of time and space. Individuals with smartphone addiction often struggle to control their usage, develop mood tolerance and experience withdrawal symptoms.Health problems related to smartphone addictionDepression, anxiety and suicidal thoughtA large proportion of smartphone heavy users tend to check notifications frequently. This %u2018reassurance seeking%u2019 is driven by the desire to maintain relationships and seek validation from others. Additionally, this checking behaviour is linked to %u2018fear of missing out%u2019(FOMO), which correlates with depression and anxiety. Mental health problems are particularly severe if smartphone use begins at an early age. Receiving a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poorer mind health outcomes in young adulthood, such as suicidal thoughts, detachment from reality, emotional dysregulation and diminished self-worth.Musculoskeletal problemsProlonged forward head posture during smartphone use puts strain on the cervical spine, resulting in neck, back and shoulder pain. Multiple studies have also linked excessive smartphone use, particularly gaming and texting, to conditions like DeQuervain tenosynovitis.Policy implicationsProblematic smartphone use is linked to multiple negative health issues. While smartphones are integral to daily life - facilitating work, education and entertainment %u2013 balancing their benefits with minimizing harm is challenging. The authors of %u201cProtecting the Developing Mind in a Digital age: A Global Policy Imperative%u201d have proposed the implementation of a developmentally appropriate, society-wide policy approach, which restricts smartphone and social media access for children under the age of 13. Similar to regulations on alcohol and tobacco, these measures aim to protect the foundational elements of mind health and well-being that underpin the capabilities and functions of human flourishing in future generations. They also recommend mandatory education on digital literacy and mental health, as well as stronger enforcement against social media age violations.Role of family physiciansSmartphone overuse is present in 29.3% of the youth population in Hong Kong. Family physicians often encounter patients suffering from chronic neck pain as a result of prolonged device use. Conflicts between parents and children over smartphone addiction are also commonly seen.Family physicians play a vital role in addressing smartphone addiction by offering holistic care, guidance, and support to patients:1.Assessment and Identification: Recognizing signs of excessive smartphone use, such as decreased productivity, sleep disturbances, or social withdrawal. 2.Patient Education: Informing patients and families about the potential negative impacts of smartphone addiction on mental health, sleep, and overall well-being.3.Counseling and Advice: Providing behavioral strategies to manage and reduce screen time, encouraging healthy habits, and promoting digital literacy %u2013 covering topics like managing algorithmic influence and cyberbullying.4.Support for Underlying Issues: Addressing associated mental health conditions like anxiety or depression that may be exacerbated by excessive device use.5.Referral and Multidisciplinary Approach: When necessary, referring patients to mental health professionals for specialized intervention.6.Preventive Measures: Promoting balanced technology use within families, especially among children and adolescents, to foster healthy use of technology such as those promoting physical exercise and positive communications, and on the other hand, avoid harmful content like pornography and violent materials.Reference:1.Thiagarajan TC, Newson JJ, Swaminathan S. Protecting the Developing Mind in a Digital Age: A Global Policy Imperative. Journal of Human Development and Capabilities. 2025 Vol 26, No. 3, 493-504. 2.Ratan ZA, Parrish AM, Zaman SB. Smartphone Addiction and Associated Health Outcomes in Adult Populations: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20213.Wong SMY, Chen EYH, Wong CSM. Impact of smartphone overuse on 1-year severe depressive symptoms and momentary negative affect: Longitudinal and experience sampling findings from a representative epidemiological youth sample in Hong Kong. Psychiatry Research. Vol 318. Dec 2022.%u201cSubmissions of articles to News Corner with up to 500 words are always welcome. Options of College Souvenirs or Gift vouchers will be given as a token of appreciation for good works if the articles are selected for publication. Email: FPLinks@hkcfp.org.hk%u201dCompiled by Dr. Siu Pui Yi