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Early Smartphones Harm Teen Health, Study Warns
2 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Children owning smartphones at age 12 face higher risks of depression.
- Early phone adoption increases chances of obesity and poor sleep.
- Later smartphone acquisition shows improved health outcomes.
A groundbreaking study from the University of Pennsylvania reveals a concerning link between early smartphone ownership and adverse health outcomes in adolescents. Children who received their first smartphone at age 12 exhibited a 31% increased risk of depression, alongside a 40% higher likelihood of obesity and a 62% greater chance of insufficient sleep compared to their peers without devices.
The research, which analyzed data from over 10,000 12-year-olds, further highlighted that the earlier a child acquired a smartphone, the more pronounced these negative health impacts became. Even acquiring a device at age 13 showed a 50% increased chance of sleep issues compared to having no phone at age 12.
Lead author Dr. Ran Barzilay urged parents to approach the decision of providing a smartphone with caution, acknowledging potential health implications while also recognizing the device's benefits in strengthening social connections and supporting learning. The findings echo concerns from a UK study linking problematic smartphone use to anxiety and insomnia in teenagers.
