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6d ago

Study Links Smartphones by Age 12 to Higher Risks of Depression, Obesity and Poor Sleep

The Pediatrics study, based on more than 10,500 youths in an NIH-backed cohort, reports associations rather than proof of cause.

Organized sports or other physical activities can ensure kids get exercise and ward off too much screen time.
Illustration by Tag Hartman-Simkins / Futurism. Source: Getty Images
A study of 10,000 preteens finds early smartphone ownership tied to higher health risks. Dr. Scott Hadland, Mass General Brigham for Children, offers guidance for parents on safer use.
Parents often are conflicted about getting smartphones for their children at younger ages.

Overview

  • Researchers analyzed ABCD Study data from 10,588 U.S. youths assessed between 2016 and 2022, with results published Dec. 1 in Pediatrics.
  • At age 12, smartphone owners had roughly 31% higher odds of depression, 40% higher odds of obesity and 62% higher odds of insufficient sleep compared with peers without phones.
  • Earlier age of first phone was linked to greater risk, particularly for obesity and sleep, and youths who got a phone between 12 and 13 showed worse mental health and sleep at 13 than those still without phones.
  • The associations persisted after adjusting for sociodemographics, pubertal development, parental monitoring and ownership of other devices, and the study did not pinpoint specific apps or features.
  • Ownership in this age range was more common among girls, Black and Hispanic youths and lower-income families, and authors recommend family rules, monitoring and keeping phones out of bedrooms at night.