The use of smartphones has become increasingly popular among adolescents in recent years. There is increasing concern that their excessive use of smartphone devices may result in addiction that disrupts or impacts various aspects of their daily lives, such as their behaviour, academic performance, social interactions, and overall health and well-being.

This study aims to determine the proportion of smartphone-addicted students and to identify the factors associated with smartphone addiction among high school students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 391 high school students using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included information relating to demographic factors, educational and occupational factors, habitual differences, and smartphone-related variables. The proportion of smartphone-addicted students was determined through a Short Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV) which consists of 10 items. Kobo Toolbox was used to collect the data, which was later processed for both descriptive and inferential analysis using SPSS software. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the significant variables that were linked to smartphone addiction.

Smartphone addiction among high school students was estimated at over 50% with a high percentage of males in this study and 35.8% of them being at high risk. The majority of students, about 45%, reported the overuse of smartphones. The students who use a smartphone for 5 hours or more on weekdays are highly addicted as compared to less than 5 hours users. The findings of the ordinal logistic regression model are used to explain the level of smartphone addiction, variables such as grade, owning a phone, using a smartphone early in the morning, satisfaction with studies, using smartphones for entertainment, using smartphones while travelling, preference, and laziness were found to have a significant association with smartphone addiction.

These findings highlight smartphone addiction among high school students. Parents, educators, and relevant authorities should take measures to prevent this addiction. Promotion of the healthy use of smartphones balanced with other activities such as outdoor activities, sports, hobbies, socialising with friends and family, and studying is recommended.

Keywords: Smartphone addiction, high school students, smartphone usage, factors associated