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Study: Kids with Phones Before 12 Face Health Dangers
2 Dec
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.
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.
