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4mo ago

Global Study Finds Pre-Teen Smartphone Ownership Linked to Lower Mental Health in Early Adulthood

Study authors recommend restricting smartphone ownership for children under 13 to address rising rates of suicidal thoughts and emotional dysregulation in young adults.

Parents can still make changes if their children already have smartphones, Kara Alaimo says.
Kids who used smartphones before age 13 faced sleep disruptions, cyberbullying and negative family relationships, according to a new study.
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Overview

  • Analysis of over 100,000 18- to 24-year-olds shows those who got smartphones before age 13 report higher rates of suicidal ideation, aggression, detachment from reality, emotional dysregulation and low self-worth.
  • Early ownership frequently coincided with under-age social media use, contributing to cyberbullying, sleep disruption and strained family relationships by adulthood.
  • The link between early smartphone access and poorer mental health was consistent across more than 160 countries, cultures and languages.
  • Lead researcher Dr. Tara Thiagarajan and other experts urge under-13 smartphone restrictions, mandatory digital literacy education and stronger tech company accountability.
  • Despite relying on self-reported data and lacking proof of direct causation, researchers liken the precautionary measures to alcohol and tobacco regulations to protect developing minds.