Study: Smartphones at Age 12 Linked to Increased Health Risks for Kids

Recent research indicates that smartphones can pose significant health risks for children under the age of 12. A study released in the journal Pediatrics highlights the correlation between early smartphone ownership and increased mental health problems and obesity in youths.

Key Findings from the Study

The study was conducted by experts from the Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, the University of California at Berkeley, and Columbia University. They analyzed data from over 10,000 adolescents participating in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) between 2018 and 2020. This extensive initiative is recognized as the largest long-term evaluation of brain development and child health in the United States and is funded by the National Institutes of Health.

• 63.6% of participants owned smartphones.
• The average age of first smartphone ownership was 11 years old.
• Younger children exhibited higher risks for issues like poor sleep and obesity.

Researchers determined that health outcomes worsened with the age at which children obtained their first smartphone. Children who received smartphones before age 12 showed higher instances of depression and sleep difficulties compared to their peers without devices.

Implications for Parents

Lead author Ran Barzilay noted that the mere ownership of a smartphone could influence health outcomes negatively. The study did not delve into the usage patterns of the devices but focused on their impact on mental well-being.

Barzilay emphasized the importance of parental discretion when introducing smartphones to children. While acknowledging that smartphones can enhance connectivity and safety, he urged caution in their usage. “Smartphones can play a constructive role,” he stated, reflecting on their potential benefits in adolescents’ lives.

Future Research Directions

The research team aims to explore which aspects of smartphone ownership specifically contribute to negative health effects. They also plan to examine children who began using smartphones before age 10 to identify those most at risk.

Increasing Concerns About Screen Time

In recent years, experts have raised alarms regarding excessive screen time among children. Various states have enacted measures to restrict smartphone usage in schools. Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General, recommended establishing “tech-free zones” to encourage in-person interactions among children.

According to a 2024 survey by Pew Research Center:

• 95% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 owned smartphones.
• More than half of parents of children aged 11 to 12 reported their kids had smartphones.
• Nearly 30% of parents with children aged 8 to 10 acknowledged their kids owned smartphones.
• 12% of parents with children aged 5 to 7 reported the same, alongside 8% of parents with children under 5.

As smartphone ownership becomes nearly universal among adolescents, Barzilay recommends monitoring usage to ensure children are safe from inappropriate content and that devices do not disrupt their sleep patterns.