A new study finds kids given smartphones before the age of 13 are more likely to have poorer mental health by the age of 18.
Giving a child a smartphone too early may have serious consequences for their mental health, a new study suggests.
Researchers analyzed data from the Global Mind Project, a large database that contains mental health profiles, demographics and lifestyle info from more than 1.5 million internet-enabled people.
They found kids given smartphones when they’re 12 or younger are more likely to develop worrisome symptoms in early adulthood – between 18 and 24 years of age.
The symptoms most strongly linked with earlier ownership included suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, and hallucinations.
In females, younger ownership was also associated with poorer self-image, self-worth and confidence, as well as weaker emotional resilience. In males, lower stability, calmness, self-worth and empathy were more common.
The authors say these effects are in large part associated with early social media access, higher risks of cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and poor family relationships by adulthood.
They say urgent action is needed to protect the mental health of future generations and recommend policies that
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Require mandatory education on digital literacy and mental health
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Restrict smartphone and social media access for children under 13 and
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Enforce corporate accountability
Source: Journal of Human Development and Capabilities
Author Affiliation: Sapien Labs
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