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The psychosocial dynamics of nomophobia in children with special needs: A parental perspective study in Jambi

Proceedings Academic Universitas Jambi · Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025) · pp. 491–502

DOI
10.22437/proca.v1i2.50309
Published
2025-11-27
Publisher
LPPM Universitas Jambi
Language
en
License
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Collaboration network of the authors

40 authors · 102 co-authorship links · showing the 40 most connected

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  • Hasanuddin University
  • Universitas Halu Oleo
  • Affiliation unknown
  • Different organisations
  • Same organisation
  • Affiliation unknown
  • Thicker line = more joint articles · bigger circle = more articles
Show as table
Co-authorOrganisationJoint articles
Yun Nina EkawatiAffiliation unknown8
Jelpa PeriantaloAffiliation unknown4
Dessy PramudianiAffiliation unknown3
Nurul HafizahAffiliation unknown3
Annisa AndrianiAffiliation unknown3
Verdiantika AnnisaAffiliation unknown3
Fadzlul FadzlulAffiliation unknown3
Nadia Puti DianestiAffiliation unknown2
Dian Erhan SaputraAffiliation unknown2
Irma HandayaniHasanuddin University2
Ummi KalsumAffiliation unknown2
Revania AyuriAffiliation unknown1
Indi Hajian PahiraAffiliation unknown1
Hieronimus Floris Khansa LagaAffiliation unknown1
AndreAffiliation unknown1
Rina OktariaAffiliation unknown1
Willia Novita Eka RiniAffiliation unknown1
Marta Butar ButarAffiliation unknown1
MeinarisaAffiliation unknown1
SyamsurizalAffiliation unknown1
Fadia AzzahraAffiliation unknown1
Syamsurizal SyamsurizalAffiliation unknown1
Tina Yuli FatmawatiAffiliation unknown1
NOFRAN PSIKOLOGIAffiliation unknown1
Azwar AzwarUniversitas Halu Oleo1
Iin IndrawatiAffiliation unknown1
Laura AmaliaAffiliation unknown1
Ahmad Ricko PadesilAffiliation unknown1
Lulu Hafina RozaliaAffiliation unknown1
Intan Yulia RainazAffiliation unknown1
Tri WulandariAffiliation unknown1
Rahminingrum RahminingrumAffiliation unknown1
Linda WahyuniAffiliation unknown1

Affiliations come from OpenAlex; journal OAI-PMH metadata carries none. Authors without an OpenAlex ID are matched by name, which can merge or split people.

Metadata source: OAI-PMH (metadata jurnal) https://online-journal.unja.ac.id/index.php/PROCA/oai, first harvested 6 Nov 2026, last seen 8 Nov 2026.
Original metadata (oai_dc) 
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	<dc:title xml:lang="en">The psychosocial dynamics of nomophobia in children with special needs: A parental perspective study in Jambi</dc:title>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Dewi, Annisa Dianesti</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Ilham, Muhammad</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Gultom, Hanna Widya</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Rahman, Marlita Andhika</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Banjarnahor, Desi Juita Sari</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Rofiq, Fathur Rahman</dc:creator>
	<dc:creator xml:lang="en">Saputra, Nofrans Eka</dc:creator>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Nomophobia</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">children with special needs</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">parental perspectives</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">qualitative study</dc:subject>
	<dc:subject xml:lang="en">Jambi City</dc:subject>
	<dc:description xml:lang="en">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.</dc:description>
	<dc:publisher xml:lang="en">LPPM Universitas Jambi</dc:publisher>
	<dc:date>2025-11-27</dc:date>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/article</dc:type>
	<dc:type>info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion</dc:type>
	<dc:format>application/pdf</dc:format>
	<dc:identifier>https://online-journal.unja.ac.id/PROCA/article/view/50309</dc:identifier>
	<dc:identifier>10.22437/proca.v1i2.50309</dc:identifier>
	<dc:source xml:lang="en">Proceedings Academic Universitas Jambi; Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): The 6th Jambi Medicine and Health Science International Conference (JAMHESIC); 491-502</dc:source>
	<dc:source>10.22437/proca.v1i2</dc:source>
	<dc:language>en</dc:language>
	<dc:relation>https://online-journal.unja.ac.id/PROCA/article/view/50309/22612</dc:relation>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">Copyright (c) 2025 Annisa Dianesti Dewi, Muhammad Ilham, Hanna Widya Gultom, Marlita Andhika Rahman, Desi Juita Sari Banjarnahor, Fathur Rahman Rofiq, Nofrans Eka Saputra</dc:rights>
	<dc:rights xml:lang="en">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</dc:rights>
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