The psychosocial dynamics of nomophobia in children with special needs: A parental perspective study in Jambi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22437/proca.v1i2.50309Keywords:
Nomophobia, children with special needs, parental perspectives, qualitative study, Jambi CityAbstract
Background: Nomophobia, defined as the intense anxiety experienced when separated from a mobile phone, is increasingly recognized as a pressing public health issue, particularly among children with special needs (CSN). For these children, digital devices often serve as tools for self-soothing and emotional regulation, which may heighten their vulnerability to the negative effects of nomophobia. Objective: This study examines the phenomenon from the perspective of parents in Jambi City, Indonesia, a context where research on CSN remains scarce. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, gathering insights from 89 parents through an online open-ended questionnaire circulated via community networks. Analysis revealed that nomophobia arises from a combination of factors. Results: Children frequently displayed strong emotional reactions, such as crying or anger, when access to their phones was restricted, suggesting that the device acts as a surrogate for comfort and self-regulation. These responses were intensified by the limited presence of alternative social and sensory activities in their surroundings. Furthermore, inconsistent parental monitoring, alongside mixed feelings regarding the advantages and potential risks of mobile phone use, appeared to mediate these behaviors. Parents consistently voiced a need for structured guidance and broader systemic support to promote healthier digital habits. The findings indicate that nomophobia among CSN cannot be understood merely as individual dependence; rather, it reflects intricate family dynamics and the children’s adaptation to a digitally saturated environment. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of active parental mentorship and institutional support in offering suitable alternative activities, ultimately fostering balanced psychosocial development for CSN.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Annisa Dianesti Dewi, Muhammad Ilham, Hanna Widya Gultom, Marlita Andhika Rahman, Desi Juita Sari Banjarnahor, Fathur Rahman Rofiq, Nofrans Eka Saputra
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Published with license by LPPM Universitas Jambi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0 International). This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format, so long as attribution is given to the creator.
