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

Author

Listed:
  • Geir Gunnlaugsson

    (Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology and Folkloristics, University of Iceland, IS-102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Thomas Andrew Whitehead

    (Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology and Folkloristics, University of Iceland, IS-102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Fatou N’dure Baboudóttir

    (Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology and Folkloristics, University of Iceland, IS-102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

  • Aladje Baldé

    (University Campus, Jean Piaget University of Guinea-Bissau, Bissau 5100, Guinea-Bissau)

  • Zeca Jandi

    (Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisa (INEP), Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Pátria, Complexo Escolar 14 de Novembro, Bissau C.P. 112, Guinea-Bissau)

  • Hamadou Boiro

    (Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology and Folkloristics, University of Iceland, IS-102 Reykjavík, Iceland
    Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisa (INEP), Avenida dos Combatentes da Liberdade da Pátria, Complexo Escolar 14 de Novembro, Bissau C.P. 112, Guinea-Bissau)

  • Jónína Einarsdóttir

    (Faculty of Sociology, Anthropology and Folkloristics, University of Iceland, IS-102 Reykjavík, Iceland)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Geir Gunnlaugsson & Thomas Andrew Whitehead & Fatou N’dure Baboudóttir & Aladje Baldé & Zeca Jandi & Hamadou Boiro & Jónína Einarsdóttir, 2020. "Use of Digital Technology among Adolescents Attending Schools in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:8937-:d:454466
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gina Porter & Kate Hampshire & Albert Abane & Alister Munthali & Elsbeth Robson & Ariane De Lannoy & Augustine Tanle & Samuel Owusu, 2020. "Mobile phones, gender, and female empowerment in sub-Saharan Africa: studies with African youth," Information Technology for Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(1), pages 180-193, January.
    2. Jenny C. Aker & Isaac M. Mbiti, 2010. "Mobile Phones and Economic Development in Africa," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 24(3), pages 207-232, Summer.
    3. World Bank, 2018. "Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2018 [Rapport 2018 sur la pauvreté et la prospérité partagée]," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 30418, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fatou N’dure Baboudóttir & Zeca Jandi & Bucar Indjai & Jónína Einarsdóttir & Geir Gunnlaugsson, 2023. "“Just Standing Still”: A Qualitative Study on Adolescents’ Experiences of School Closures Due to Emerging COVID-19 in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-11, March.

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