Preventing problematic smartphone use: effectiveness evaluation of the smartphone license program for Italian preadolescents

This paper emphasizes the need for evidence-based practices to prevent and mitigate internet risks and problematic smartphone use among preadolescents, a particularly vulnerable population. The literature suggests that acquiring accurate information and practical skills regarding digital tools can help prevent these issues. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the “Smartphone License” program, designed for Italian preadolescents. To this end, a survey was conducted among 393 middle school students, aged between 11 and 13 years. Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with a mixed design, incorporating both between-subjects and within-subjects factors, were performed before and after the intervention for both an experimental group and a control group. Results indicated that the program significantly increased participants’ knowledge about the negative consequences of smartphone use and decreased misconceptions related to this technology. These findings have important implications for educational institutions globally, supporting the development of similar prevention programs based on the Smartphone License model, which this study found to be effective. The paper concludes that it is crucial to provide preadolescent students with educational opportunities that convey the fundamental principles of responsible smartphone use, encompassing both its potential benefits and associated risks.