Strategies for Regulating Excessive Use of Smartphone among Agricultural Education Students in Universities in Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evolved strategies for regulating excessive use of smartphone among Agricultural Education students in universities in Abia State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined perceived consequences of excessive use of smartphone as well as strategies which students, universities and parents could adopt in reducing excessive utilization of smartphone. Four research questions were answered and four hypotheses tested. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 93 respondents, made up of 15 lecturers and 78 students of Agricultural Education in Abia State. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean and t-test. Findings revealeight perceived consequences of excessive use of smartphone by Agricultural education students (Agric Ed). These include; reduces the academic performance of Agric Ed students ( = 4.16), reduces students interest in reading ( = 4.36), leads to a decline in the study habit of Agric Ed students ( = 3.64) and others. There are also eight strategies students could adopt for reducing excessive use of smartphones. These include, among others, read books to learn more about smartphone addiction and control ( = 7.71), control excessive use of smartphone by the use of role play ( = 4.43), set time limits to regulate the rate of use of the phone ( = 4.07). Other findings are nine stragtegies university could adopts. These including, specify time when servers should be on and off ( = 4.01), organize seminar/work for Agric Ed students on smartphone addicition ( = 3.94), forbid negligence arising from smartphone addiction among students ( = 3.79), among others. More findings are nine family related strategies including, parents should: ensure that children obey family guidelines on the ue of smartphone ( = 4.33), set clear guidelines on the use of smartphone ( = 3.94), and tell children the dangers of excessive phone use rather than hate them ( = 3.95). It was recommended among others that, the university management should work with students’ leaders to regulate internet usage.