Kids who get smartphones early face higher health risks

Parents of young children face a common challenge today: when to introduce smartphones or digital gadgets to their children. Is 10 appropriate? What about 15? The answer is not so early. A new study by researchers at Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, the University of California at Berkeley, and Columbia University has found that early smartphone use in children is linked to increased health problems. The findings of the study are published in the peer-reviewed journal Pediatrics. In this age of digital boom, most parents are worried about the right age to introduce digital gadgets. Keeping them away from smartphones or other devices until they turn 18 is not really an option, especially since today many children depend on gadgets for learning. Keeping them away is therefore not ideal. The new study has, however, found that giving a child a smartphone before age 12 can lead to both physical and psychological issues. The study found that owning a smartphone during early adolescence is associated with increased risks of mental health issues and obesity. The researchers noted higher incidences of depression and insufficient sleep among children who owned smartphones by age 12 or younger, compared with those who did not. To understand the impact of smartphones on young children, the researchers analysed data from over 10,000 adolescents in the US who participated in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) between 2018 and 2020. This is the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the country. They found that younger children who owned smartphones had a greater risk of poor sleep than older children. The negative effects were more pronounced in the younger age group. “Our findings suggest that we should view smartphones as a significant factor in teen health, approaching the decision to give a child a phone with care and considering potential impacts on their life and health,” said lead author Ran Barzilay, MD, PhD, a child psychiatrist with the Youth Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Research Center at CHOP. “We are not claiming smartphones are detrimental to all adolescents’ health; rather, we advocate for thoughtful consideration of the health implications, balancing both positive and negative consequences. For many teens, smartphones can play a constructive role by strengthening social connections, supporting learning, and providing access to information and resources that promote personal growth. Likewise, some families may view a smartphone as a necessity for safety or communication,” Barzilay added. A recent report by the Pew Research Center found that 95% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 owned a smartphone in 2024. When the parents of children aged 11–12 were surveyed, they found that half of the children owned smartphones. The survey further revealed that nearly 30% of parents with children between 8 and 10 years old confirmed that their children owned smartphones. About 12% of parents with children aged 5–7, and 8% of parents with children younger than 5, said their children used smartphones. “Most probably, all teens will eventually have a smartphone. Once this happens, it is advisable to monitor what our children do on their phones, ensuring they are not exposed to inappropriate content and that smartphones do not disrupt sleep. It is critical for young people to have time away from their phones to engage in physical activity, which can protect against obesity and enhance mental health over time,” said Barzilay. Two other studies by University of Georgia researchers found that screen time harmed family relationships and mental health. They discovered that by age 11, youth who used screens experienced more family conflict, such as arguments or subsequent criticism of the child by a parent. This trend continued through their teenage years. “On average, kids are getting phones and using social media around 10 years old, which is very early, and even that age is declining,” said Cory Carvalho, lead author of the study. “As kids differentiate from their parents due to profound neurological and biological emotional changes, we saw social media cause a variety of disagreements, trouble with resolution, fighting, and expressions of anger.” All the studies suggest that age 12 is too early to introduce smartphones. Even if you introduce smartphones to your kids after 12, it is important to set some rules to prevent misuse and ensure physical and emotional well being of your kids. According to Barzilay and his team, parents must establish clear family rules before giving a child a phone. This could take the form of an agreement defining usage terms. Set guidelines for using the phone in bedrooms, at the dinner table, and during homework. Ensure all caregivers and children adhere to the guidelines. Set privacy and content settings to prevent access to inappropriate material.Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.