Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Dec 2: A new peer-reviewed study has raised serious concerns about giving smartphones to children below the age of 12, warning that early ownership is linked to higher risks of depression, poor sleep and obesity.
Published in the journal Pediatrics, the study analysed data from more than 10,000 adolescents across the US who took part in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study between 2018 and 2020 — the country’s largest long-term research project on child health and brain development.
According to the findings, 63.6% of participants owned a smartphone, with the median age of first ownership being 11 years. Researchers from Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, UC Berkeley and Columbia University found that those who received smartphones at younger ages had significantly worse mental and physical health outcomes than children who received them later.
Lead author Dr Ran Barzilay, a child psychiatrist at Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, said the team sought to understand whether simply owning a smartphone at a young age could alter health outcomes.
“We didn't even look at what the kids did on the phone,” he told CBS News. “We simply asked if having one at this age affects health — and the answer is yes.”
The study found that children who owned smartphones by age 12 reported higher levels of depression and insufficient sleep a year later, compared to peers without smartphones. Even after accounting for other devices like tablets, the results remained unchanged.
While warning parents to make mindful decisions, Barzilay emphasised that smartphones are not inherently harmful. They can support learning, strengthen social connections and, for some families, are considered essential for safety.
Researchers now aim to study children who received smartphones before age 10 to identify the most vulnerable age groups and understand what aspects of smartphone use are most harmful. The ultimate goal, they said, is to develop strategies that protect young users from negative outcomes.
Experts worldwide have been raising alarms over rising screen time among children. Former US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy previously recommended creating “tech-free zones” at home and encouraging in-person socialisation. Several US states have also moved to restrict cellphone use in schools.
Smartphone ownership among young children continues to rise: A 2024 Pew Research survey showed that 95% of teens aged 13–17 own a smartphone. The survey also found smartphone ownership among 8–10-year-olds at 30%, 5–7-year-olds at 12%, and even children under 5 at 8%.
Barzilay noted that since almost all teens will eventually have smartphones, parents should focus on monitoring usage, ensuring children avoid inappropriate content and maintain healthy sleep routines.