Effects of social media detox interventions on anxiety and sleep patterns among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Morogoro region
Loading...
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
COAS
Abstract
This quasi-experimental study investigated the effects of a two-week social media detox
intervention on anxiety levels and sleep quality among adolescents in selected secondary schools
in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. A total of 95 Form Three students (aged 15–17) were involved,
divided into two intact classes: an experimental group from Tushikamane Secondary School
(n=48) that abstained from social media and a control group (n=47) from Tubuyu secondary
school that continued regular use. Pre- and post-tests utilized the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-
7 (GAD-7) scale and a Sleep Quality Self-Report Index. The intervention included guided
abstinence from platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, complemented
by journaling, mindfulness exercises, and psychoeducation. Independent samples t-tests
revealed that the experimental group had significantly lower post-test anxiety scores (M=5.12,
SD=1.84) compared to the control group (M=8.23, SD=2.01), t(93)=-7.31, p<.001. Similarly,
sleep quality improved significantly in the intervention group (p<.01). These findings align with
international literature on digital wellness and support the feasibility of implementing low-cost,
school-based screen-time interventions. The study concludes that structured social media detox
programs can meaningfully enhance adolescent mental health and sleep patterns and
recommends their integration into school counseling and health education initiatives in
Tanzania.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Social media detox, Adolescents, Anxiety, Sleep quality, Quasi-experimental design, Mental health, Digital wellness, Screen time
Citation
https://doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojpr.0902.02033a