The Relationship Between Social Media Use and Self-Regulation Among Female Students in Mashhad: The Moderating Role of Grade Level

This study investigates the relationship between social media use and self-regulation among female students aged ۱۰–۱۴ in Mashhad, Iran, exploring the moderating role of grade level. Given the widespread use of platforms like Instagram and Telegram, concerns have emerged about their impact on students’ ability to self-regulate, a critical skill for academic success. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from ۲۰۰ female students in grades four to eight in region ۱۱ of Mashhad during the ۲۰۲۴–۲۰۲۵ academic year. Social media use was assessed with a researcher-developed questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = ۰.۸۲), and self-regulation was measured using the Bouffard Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = ۰.۸۷). Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) revealed a significant negative relationship between social media use and self-regulation (r = -۰.۳۵, p < ۰.۰۱), with grade level moderating this relationship (β = -۰.۱۵, p < ۰.۰۵). The negative effect was stronger in higher grades (e.g., eighth grade, β = -۰.۴۵, p < ۰.۰۱) compared to lower grades (e.g., fourth grade, β = -۰.۱۵, p = ۰.۰۵). These findings highlight the increasing vulnerability of older students to social media’s detrimental effects on self-regulation. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions, such as educational programs and parental guidance, to promote healthy social media use and enhance self-regulatory skills among female students in Mashhad, particularly in higher grades.

کلیدواژه ها:

Social Media Use ، Self-Regulation ، Grade Level ، Mashhad