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Smartphone at 12? Risk of Eating Disorders Grows
1 Oct
Summary
- 12-year-olds with smartphones face a higher risk of disordered eating later.
- Study found increased risks for binge-eating and compensatory behaviors.
- Self-worth tied to weight saw a doubled risk for early smartphone owners.
A recent study by the University of California at San Francisco suggests a potential link between early smartphone adoption and disordered eating symptoms in adolescents.
Researchers followed nearly 9,000 adolescents and found that those owning a smartphone at age 12 were at a significantly higher risk for developing eating disorder symptoms by age 14.
The study indicated a 67% increased risk for binge-eating behavior and a 50% higher risk of compensatory behaviors. Furthermore, self-worth tied to weight doubled among early smartphone owners.
Girls who received a smartphone at age 12 showed nearly triple the likelihood of worrying about weight gain at age 14, highlighting gender-specific concerns.
Experts emphasize that while the study doesn't prove causation, it raises important questions for parents about when to introduce smartphones, recommending clear guidelines and open communication.
The findings underscore a growing concern among eating disorder experts regarding the impact of appearance-focused digital content on vulnerable young people.
