Use of Digital Technology among Adolescents Attending Schools in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau

• Published in: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Main Authors: Gunnlaugsson, Geir, Whitehead, Thomas, Baboudóttir, Fatou N’dure, Baldé, Aladje, Jandi, Zeca, Boiro, Hamadou, Einarsdóttir, Jónína
• Other Authors: Félagsfræði-, mannfræði- og þjóðfræðideild (HÍ), Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology and Folkloristics (UI), Félagsvísindasvið (HÍ), School of Social Sciences (UI), University of Iceland, Háskóli Íslands
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020
• Subjects: Sub-Sahara; Least developed countries; Socioeconomic factors; School-age population; Internet access; mobile phone; Þróunarlönd; Ungt fólk; Félagshagfræði; Netið; Farsímar; Reykjavík; Iceland
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11815/2330; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17238937

Publisher's version (útgefin grein) Digital technology plays an important role in achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, access is uneven, with 80% of those in high-income countries being online compared to 20% of those in the 47 least developed countries. This study aimed to describe and analyse adolescents’ access to and usage of digital technology in Guinea-Bissau and its implications. In June 2017, a survey with a locally adapted Planet Youth questionnaire was implemented in the capital, Bissau, whereby classes in 16 secondary schools were surveyed on a variety of issues. In total, 2039 randomly selected students participated; the survey included ten questions specifically on the access to and use of digital technology. Half of the respondents had access to desktop/laptops, and one-third used mobile internet daily; about two-thirds had an experience of social media. Explanatory variables included educational institution, parental education, economic situation, and gender. Furthermore, students’ experience of social media was significantly linked to bullying, anxiety, depression, smoking and alcohol consumption. Many adolescents in Bissau have no experience of using digital technology, including for schoolwork. Access improvements are necessary so that young Bissau-Guineans are not to be left behind in developing their capabilities and can benefit from proficiency in the use of digital technologies. At the same time, potential harmful usage of the media requires the implementation of preventive measures. The Research Fund of the University of Iceland and funds from the School of Social Sciences, University of Iceland, Icelandic Centre for Social Research and Analysis (ICSRA), Reykjavík University, and Erasmus+ staff mobility grants. Peer Reviewed