PhD Scholarship – Deakin University Warrnambool

Deakin University Warrnambool Campus is offering a PhD scholarship for a project “Child and adolescent wellbeing in the smartphone era” under the supervision of Jeromy Anglim and Sharon Horwood

About the project

Over the past decade, portable screen-based, internet-enabled devices have become an everyday item for most people. The popularity of smartphones and tablets in particular has seen a rapid uptake by children, teenagers, and adults. Presently in Australia, 94% of teenagers and 63% of primary-school aged children have their own dedicated smartphone or tablet. There is emerging evidence that excessive screen use may have negative impacts on children and adolescents, particularly with respect to poor sleep, reduced physical activity, and increased exposure to online bullying. However, there are many questions still to consider with respect to the possible impact of excessive screen use in childhood and adolescence. Current longitudinal studies aim to explore the potential for neurological change in developing children and adolescents as a function of excessive screen use, however there is presently little research aimed at examining the potential relationship between excessive screen use and socio-emotional development in children and adolescents.

This research project aims to understand the social and emotional implications of excessive screen use via qualitative and quantitative research methodology, as well as develop evidence-based guidelines and public health messaging aimed at empowering young people and their parents to better manage their own technology use.

This position is located at the Warrnambool campus. The successful candidate may be offered re-location assistance and short term accommodation support if required.