Nomophobia as a Possible Mental Health Disorder in Gauteng Secondary Schools

Abstract

This study sought to investigate nomophobia as a possible mental disorder in the Gauteng education sector. This study determines whether educators and learners do suffer from nomophobia (the irrational fear of not having access to their mobile phones and the capabilities on their mobile phones), and whether nomophobia should be considered a mental health disorder in the Gauteng Education sector. A mixed methods single case research (MMSCR) was adopted. In the quantitative phase (Phase 1) data was collected using a questionnaire and in the qualitative phase (Phase 2) data was collected using open-ended questions in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The primary quantitative data from Phase 1 of the research revealed that respondents displayed mild, moderate and severe nomophobia. The quantitative phase (Phase 1) further revealed that educators displayed higher levels of nomophobia as compared to learners. The qualitative phase (Phase 2) indicated that educators do feel uncomfortable without access to the information that they regularly check up on and by their own admission do spend a lot of time on their mobile phones. Learners have an affinity for games and admit being addicted to games. Furthermore, educators and learners used their mobile phones to access resources for schoolwork, and to keep in touch with family and friends. To address nomophobia as a possible mental health disorder in the Gauteng education sector, one needs to understand the usage of educator and learner mobile phone usage. It is with this in mind that the study was conducted.