What health issues are linked to smartphones for kids under 12, according to the study?

The study links smartphone ownership by age 12 to increased risks of depression, insufficient sleep, and obesity in children.

Did the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study find any positive impacts of smartphones on teens?

The study acknowledges that smartphones can strengthen social connections and aid learning, but emphasizes potential negative health impacts.

What are experts recommending regarding smartphone use for children?

Experts recommend careful consideration of health implications, monitoring phone use, and potentially creating tech-free zones.

Home / Health / Study: Kids with Phones Before 12 Face Health Dangers

Study: Kids with Phones Before 12 Face Health Dangers

2 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Smartphone ownership by age 12 increases risks of depression and poor sleep.
Early adolescent smartphone use is linked to higher rates of obesity.
Children receiving phones younger than 12 experienced worse health outcomes.

Study: Kids with Phones Before 12 Face Health Dangers

New research indicates that children under 12 who own smartphones face elevated risks of developing mental health problems and obesity. The study, published in Pediatrics, found that early adolescent smartphone ownership correlates with increased instances of depression and sleep deprivation.

Data from over 10,000 U.S. adolescents revealed that those who received smartphones by age 12 showed poorer mental health a year later compared to those without devices. The younger the child when acquiring a smartphone, the greater the reported health risks, including obesity and insufficient sleep.

While smartphones can offer social and educational benefits, experts emphasize the need for careful consideration of their potential health implications. Researchers aim to further investigate specific usage patterns linked to adverse effects and identify protective strategies for young phone owners.