Strengthening Adolescent Self-Regulation to Reduce Excessive Gadget Use: A Community-Based Pre-Post Study in Surabaya, Indonesia
Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 Surabaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56943/jmr.v5i3.1057Excessive gadget use among adolescents is shaped by individual habits, peer norms, family supervision, and community context. This study evaluated a brief community-based intervention designed to strengthen self-regulation among adolescents at risk of excessive gadget use in Margasari Urban Village, Surabaya, Indonesia. A mixed-methods, single-group pre-post design was used. Forty-six adolescents aged 13-18 years completed a 21-item screening questionnaire adapted from the Smartphone Addiction Scale, and 15 moderate- or high-risk adolescents (N = 15) participated in further assessment and intervention. The needs assessment combined interviews with three high-risk adolescents, one parent, and one neighbourhood representative, plus a focus group discussion. The intervention consisted of three 120-minute group psychoeducation sessions integrating self-monitoring, mindfulness-based pausing, self-rules, environmental structuring, and peer support, while parents and community representatives received educational materials. Knowledge scores increased from 46.23 to 83.11. Excessive gadget-use risk scores decreased from 71.20 to 65.80, a statistically significant reduction (z = -2.97, p = .003, r ≈ .77). Average daily gadget use decreased from 5 hours 18 minutes to 5 hours 3 minutes, and parent-rated positive home behaviours increased from 16.07 to 18.13 (z = -3.41, p < .001, r ≈ .88). Qualitative findings indicated improved self-awareness and greater use of concrete control strategies, although peer pressure, night-time habits, and inconsistent community regulation remained barriers. Brief self-regulation-focused psychoeducation with family monitoring and community support may initiate meaningful short-term change, although the absence of a control group and follow-up limits long-term conclusions.
Keywords: Adolescents Community Intervention Excessive Gadget Use Problematic Smartphone Use Self-Regulation
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