Children who receive their first smartphone before the age of 13 face significantly higher risks of mental health challenges in early adulthood, including suicidal thoughts, aggression, and emotional instability, according to a global study involving over 100,000 young people.
Children introduced to smartphones before turning 13 may face substantial mental health challenges as young adults, a global study involving over 100,000 participants reveals. The study, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, discovered that individuals aged 18 to 24 who received their first smartphone at 12 or younger are more likely to exhibit symptoms such as detachment from reality, poor emotional regulation, low self-worth, and increased aggression.
Researchers attributed these issues to early smartphone access, potentially leading to premature exposure to social media. This exposure can result in cyberbullying, disrupted sleep patterns, and strained family relationships, according to the study findings.
Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, the lead author of the study and a neuroscientist from the U.S.-based Sapien Labs, emphasized the profound impact early smartphone ownership can have on mental health and well-being by early adulthood. She cautioned that the symptoms associated with this issue often diverge from traditional forms of depression and anxiety, potentially eluding conventional screening methods.
The research team urged policymakers to adopt precautionary measures akin to those regulating alcohol and tobacco. Recommendations include restricting smartphone access for children under 13, mandating digital literacy education, and holding technology companies accountable for the psychological effects associated with their platforms.
Several countries, such as France, the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand, have already initiated measures by implementing restrictions or banning the use of cell phones in schools. In the United States, various states have enacted legislation requiring schools to establish clear policies on smartphone usage among students.
For the study, Sapien Labs utilized the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), a self-assessment tool to evaluate social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, generating an overall mental health score. Young adults who had smartphones by age 13 consistently scored lower on the MHQ, with scores declining the earlier they gained smartphone access.
Female participants who acquired smartphones early were more likely to experience diminished self-image, self-worth, confidence, and emotional resilience. Males in the same category reported lower levels of calmness, emotional stability, self-worth, and empathy. Dr. Thiagarajan noted that their evidence indicates childhood smartphone ownership serves as an early gateway into AI-powered digital environments, profoundly affecting mental health and well-being in adulthood with serious implications for individual agency and societal development.
According to IANS, the study highlights the urgent need for strategic interventions to address these growing concerns, as they hold significant bearings on future generations.