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Not Just a Screen: Understanding Students’ Engagement with Digital Technology in Educational Settings

Author

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  • Costanza Baviera

    (Department of Research and Innovation in Humanities, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70121 Bari, Italy)

  • Nicla Cucinella

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Francesco Preiti

    (Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Caserta, Italy)

  • Francesca Liga

    (Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy)

  • Cristiano Inguglia

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

  • Sonia Ingoglia

    (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy)

Abstract

This study explores students’ attitudes towards technology for learning, their cellphone use in class, and their digital distraction during educational activities, also considering the potential role of some sociodemographic characteristics. Participants were 803 Italian middle school students ( M age = 12.2 years, SD = 0.9; 53% female). Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), we identified five profiles: Low-engagement users , Highly distracted , Disengaged distracted users, Self-regulated users , and Moderate users . Results highlighted small differences between profiles associated with age and maternal educational level. These findings underscore the dual nature of technology as both a valuable tool and a source of distraction from school activities, highlighting the importance of tailored strategies to promote balanced and mindful technology use. Future research should further explore how these profiles interact with broader psychosocial and developmental factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Costanza Baviera & Nicla Cucinella & Francesco Preiti & Francesca Liga & Cristiano Inguglia & Sonia Ingoglia, 2026. "Not Just a Screen: Understanding Students’ Engagement with Digital Technology in Educational Settings," Societies, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:16:y:2026:i:8:p:239-:d:2001535
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