Beyond the Screen: Gender and Smartphone App Access, Use and Control Among Youth - A Case Study of Kalyanpuri, Delhi

This study examines the gendered dynamics of access, usage, and control of smartphones among adolescents and young adults (ages 15-22) from low-income backgrounds in Delhi. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including online surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and personal interviews, the research investigates smartphone and app access, usage patterns, and the influence of familial, societal and geographical constraints on digital behaviours. The findings indicate significant gender- and age-based disparities in smartphone access and app engagement. Boys were provided preferential access and invested more time and resources in smartphone apps, particularly gaming. In contrast, girls experienced more stringent restrictions and social policing of their smartphone usage, resulting in limited online interactions and self-expression. This gendered control is shaped by broader patriarchal norms, leading to self-censorship and reduced participation in digital realm and consequently physical spaces. While smartphones have facilitated educational access, they have also exposed youth to challenges such as online violence and the lack of adequate safety features. Though both boys and girls seemed at disadvantaged situation, boys comparatively had more robust support networks to address these challenges, while girls felt more isolated. Despite these gendered barriers, owning a smartphone remains a significant aspiration for both genders. The study highlights the intersection of gender, technology, and social norms, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address the digital gender divide. It calls for comprehensive strategies that tackle gender norms in digital behaviour, enhance digital literacy, and improve online safety, in order to foster a more inclusive and equitable digital environment for youth.