Children who have smartphones by age 12 are at increased risk of health problems, new study finds

It has been found through a recent study that owning a smartphone can have negative impacts on children under the age of 12. The study, published in the Pediatrics journal, highlighted the increased risks of mental health issues and obesity associated with early smartphone ownership. Researchers from Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, the University of California at Berkeley, and Columbia University analyzed data from over 10,000 adolescents as part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) between 2018 and 2020.

The study revealed that children who owned smartphones by the age of 12 or younger were more likely to experience depression and insufficient sleep compared to those without smartphones. It was also noted that younger children faced greater risks of poor sleep and obesity linked to smartphone ownership, with worse health outcomes reported for kids who received their first smartphone at a younger age.

Lead author of the study, Ran Barzilay, emphasized that the mere presence of a smartphone at a young age could impact health outcomes significantly. The study compared children who received smartphones by age 12 with those who did not, finding that the latter group experienced better mental health outcomes one year later.

Barzilay suggested that parents should carefully consider the decision to give their children smartphones, as these devices can have both positive and negative effects on teens’ lives. While smartphones can enhance social connections and aid in learning, they also pose risks to mental health and physical well-being.

Moving forward, researchers aim to investigate the specific aspects of smartphone use that are linked to negative health effects in young people. They plan to focus on younger children who acquired smartphones before age 10 to determine who is most vulnerable to the detrimental impacts and how they can be protected.

The study’s findings align with concerns raised by experts about the increasing screen time among children and teens. Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recommended establishing “tech-free zones” and encouraging in-person friendships to address the issue. Several states have even taken steps to ban cellphones in schools to mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time.

According to Pew Research Center, the majority of teens in the age group of 13-17 owned smartphones in 2024, with a significant percentage of younger children also having access to these devices. Barzilay emphasized the importance of monitoring children’s smartphone usage to ensure they are not exposed to inappropriate content and that their sleep is not disrupted.

In conclusion, while smartphones can offer many benefits to children, it is crucial for parents to be mindful of the potential negative impacts and take necessary precautions to safeguard their children’s well-being.