This study aims to examine the direct effects of smartphone addiction (SA) on stress and quality of life (PedsQL) and to investigate the mediating role of stress in the relationship between these variables. Conducted among students enrolled in sports high schools, the research seeks to contribute to the understanding of the potential impacts of sports on smartphone addiction and quality of life. The study was carried out with a sample of 344 sports high school students aged 14–18 (129 females, 215 males). Data were collected using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS), Stress Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). The relationships between variables were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis, while the mediating role of stress was tested through Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4). The findings revealed positive and significant relationships between smartphone addiction, stress, and quality of life. Furthermore, stress was found to partially mediate the relationship between smartphone addiction and quality of life. While smartphone addiction indirectly influenced quality of life via stress, its direct effect was also statistically significant. The level of smartphone addiction among sports high school students was observed to be lower compared to other student groups, potentially due to the mitigating influence of sports-related activities. Additionally, the findings indicate that sports participation positively impacted students' stress levels and enhanced their quality of life. These results underscore the significant role of sports in safeguarding the psychological and physical health of adolescents and in mitigating the adverse effects of smartphone addiction. This study contributes to the literature by addressing issues related to quality of life, stress management, and technology addiction among sports high school students. Future research is recommended to conduct longitudinal studies to observe the effects of sports activities on smartphone addiction and stress management over time. Such studies could provide deeper insights into how participation in sports influences addiction and stress levels.

Sport science, smartphone addiction, stress, life quality, mediator variable