Digital Wellbeing Among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Digital media use is highly prevalent among adolescents. Excessive leisure screen time (LST) has been linked to poorer health. However, evidence from Saudi Arabia, where digital engagement is among the highest globally, is limited. This study examined the association between LST and self-rated health (SRH) among high school students, considering the role of physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour, parental control, and sociodemographic factors. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data from the second phase of the Digital Wellbeing Study, including 2,990 students aged 14–20 years from 28 public high schools across seven major cities, were analysed. LST, PA, and sedentary behaviour were classified into quartiles, and SRH was dichotomised as satisfied versus not satisfied. Sequential logistic regression models assessed the associations with SRH, including testing for interaction with sex. Results: Overall, 17.5% of students reported poor SRH. Median daily LST was 4.9 hours, and 28% students exceeded 7 hours/day. High LST was associated with poor SRH in unadjusted analyses, but became non-significant after adjustment for PA, sedentary time, and parental control. PA showed strong protective effects (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.35–0.66), while high sedentary time remained a risk factor (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.09–1.96). Parental involvement was linked to better SRH. Gender differences in association with LST were not statistically significant. Conclusion: High LST was associated with poor SRH, but this relationship was largely explained by lifestyle factors. Promoting PA, reducing sedentary time, and encouraging parental involvement may support adolescent well-being.