Schools across the globe are implementing different types of policies on smartphone use. In this study, the researchers propose that under Routine Activity Theory, school policies that restrict smartphone use act as a form of guardianship that reduce opportunities for exposure to online risks and involvement in risk behaviours. A total of 3,158 high school students in Taiwan reported their perceptions of smartphone policies at their schools. They then completed self-report measures on online gambling, loot box engagement, and other risk behaviours and exposures.
Students who perceived their schools had no policies on smartphone use were exposed to online risks to a greater degree, including greater smartphone use, loot box engagement, and online marketing of e-cigarettes and non-alcoholic beer. These students were more likely to engage in risk behaviours like online gambling, cyberbullying, and alcohol and tobacco use. Boys were more likely to gamble online and to engage in other risk behaviours. The findings of this study suggest smartphone policies in schools can protect adolescents from online gambling and other risk behaviours.
