A large new study has found that children who receive smartphones at a young age are more likely to experience mental and physical health problems, including depression, poor sleep, and obesity.
The research, published on Monday in the medical journal Pediatrics, studied more than 10,000 children aged 12 across the United States. It showed that children who were given smartphones earlier than their peers were more likely to report emotional difficulties and unhealthy habits.
Dr. Ran Barzilay, the lead author of the study and a child psychiatrist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said the findings provide clear evidence that early smartphone ownership may affect a child’s development.
“For years, parents have been advised to delay giving smartphones to children, but there was little large-scale data available to support that guidance,” Barzilay said in a statement. “This study helps provide that evidence using a national sample of children.”
The researchers did not examine how long the children spent on their phones or which applications they used. However, the study found a consistent pattern: children who had access to smartphones at younger ages were more likely to sleep fewer hours each night, show signs of depression, and have higher body weight.
Health specialists say smartphones can interfere with sleep because children often use them in bed. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that poor sleep in young people increases the risk of learning problems, accidents, obesity, and mental health disorders.
Experts also say social media can increase feelings of inadequacy among young users.
“Children are frequently exposed to unrealistic images and lifestyles online,” Barzilay said. “This can lead them to believe that they are not as successful or happy as others, even when that is not true.”
The study’s authors advised families to consider delaying smartphones and suggested alternatives such as basic mobile phones or smartwatches. They also recommended keeping phones out of children’s bedrooms at night and encouraging participation in sports and other physical activities.
Parents are also advised to speak openly with their children about what they see online and to offer support if they experience bullying or emotional distress.
The researchers said further studies will be needed to examine how smartphone content and screen time length affect children’s health, but they emphasized that early access alone appears to be an important factor.
