Peer relationship mediates the effect of mobile phone functions on adolescent adaptation

Numerous studies proved that mobile phone affects adolescents' psychosocial development. The present study aimed to investigate the relation between mobile phone functions and adolescent adaptation, as well as the mediating role of peer relationship. Moreover, the present study also explored whether gender and education level moderated the mediating model. A sample of 2064 adolescents (1175 girls, mean age = 14.64 +/- 1.95 years) participated the survey. Participants completed the questionnaires on perceived mobile phone functions, friendship quality, peer group identity, and adolescent adaptation. The results revealed that the pragmatic function of mobile phone not only positively predicted adolescent adaptation directly, but also through friendship quality and peer group identity. Symbolic function of mobile phone negatively predicted adolescent adaptation directly, as well as via friendship quality. Education level rather than gender moderated the mediating model. Comparing with senior high school students, the effects of mobile phone functions on adolescent adaptation were stronger among junior high school students.