3 in 4 Aussies Aged 18–40 Struggling to Switch Off Their Phones

Students and those without children were found to be the most addicted.

The icons of various social media apps in a file photo. Yui Mok/PA Wire

Australians aged 18 to 40, as well as non-parents and students, are the most addicted to smartphone use in the country, according to new research.

A Swinburne University of Technology-led study surveyed 523 adults and looked into their relationship with phones, as well as details as parental status and occupation.

It found 75.5 percent of those in the 18-40 bracket were dependent on their smartphone, compared to 58.3 percent of those aged over 41.

“‘Smartphone dependency’ refers to a psychological reliance on smartphones, where individuals may feel uncomfortable or anxious when they cannot access their phones, much like a dependency on substances,” said the study published on Acta Psychologica.

It further found parents were less addicted to phones compared to those without children.

For example, 74.7 percent of non-parents reported a smartphone dependency compared to 64.1 percent of parents.

Students recorded a 74.7 percent smartphone dependency, compared to 73.8 percent of those who were employed, and only 51.5 percent of those who were unemployed or retired needed a phone.

Men and Workers Use More Audio, Video Content

The study also considered how users perceived their phone usage habits.

Overall, 35.6 percent of those aged 18 to 40 felt they used their phone more than their peers. In contrast, only 17.3 percent of those aged over 41 believed they had higher smartphone than their peers.

Researchers also investigated what participants liked to do on their smartphones. More men than women reported browsing social media as their predominant smart phone activity.

In addition, more men said they were more likely to consume audio, video and podcast content as their top activity.

Employed individuals also spent more time on social media engaging audio and video contend compared to those who were unemployed or retired.

“The findings of this study also indicate that a significant portion of participants perceive their smartphone use as higher than that of their peers, reflecting a perceived compulsion to remain continuously connected and engaged,” the authors noted.

The study authors included lead Saqib Nawaz, Matthew Mitchell and Jahar Bhowmik from Swinburne University of Technology, and Tanya Linden from the University of Melbourne.

“These findings show the influence of socio-demographic factors in understanding smartphone-related behaviours and highlight the need for targeted interventions and strategies addressing excessive smartphone use and dependency,” they wrote.

Phone Use Behind Attention Deficit, Emotional Issues: Study

Meanwhile, a separate 2025 study found problematic smart phone use was higher in younger generations.

The study, published in BMC Public Health, looked into the issue of smartphone use across four generations in an Italian sample of 430 individuals.

“Significative differences were observed in the levels of problematic use of smartphones and distraction across generation, with younger generation (Generation Z) exhibiting higher level of Mobile Phone Problematic Use Scale (MPPUS) and Smartphone Distraction Scale (SDS)” the authors said.

“This result is consistent with scientific literature that highlights the negative effects of smartphone overuse and distraction on younger populations.”

The researchers noted smartphones and other technologies had become integral to daily life, work, education, entertainment, and other benefits.

“However, it is also vital to address their negative consequences to enhance individuals’ well-being and performance,” the paper noted.

The authors said the “problematic use” of digital media led to attention deficit and emotional relational distress.

“Smartphones allow users to access the internet continuously regardless of time and space.”

Authors highlighted all generations needed to be educated about the dangers of smart phone overuse.

“The negative effects of smartphone in diverting attention and reducing self-control, suggests the importance to minimising distractions and encouraging adaptive copying strategies.”