What are the health risks of smartphones for children under 12, according to the study?

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

When is the best age for a child to get their first smartphone?

Experts generally recommend considering smartphones once a child reaches high school, around age 13 or later.

How can parents minimize smartphone risks for their children?

Parents can talk about health implications, set clear household rules, encourage family activities, and model good behavior.

Home / Health / Smartphones Harm Kids: The Risky Age Revealed

Smartphones Harm Kids: The Risky Age Revealed

15 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Phones before age 12 increase risks of depression, obesity, and poor sleep.
Earlier phone acquisition correlates with greater health risks.
High school is recommended as the earliest age for smartphone ownership.

Smartphones Harm Kids: The Risky Age Revealed

New research highlights significant health risks associated with smartphone ownership for children under 13. Studies reveal that pre-teens who own smartphones are more susceptible to depression, obesity, and inadequate sleep, with earlier acquisition correlating to more severe health consequences.

Experts advise parents to approach the decision of providing a smartphone with the same gravity as other health and safety concerns. They suggest that high school is a more appropriate age for smartphone ownership, urging parents to assess their child's maturity and readiness for responsible use.

Establishing clear family guidelines, discussing health implications, and encouraging offline activities are crucial. Parents are also encouraged to model healthy technology habits to help children develop a balanced relationship with their devices.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.