A new longitudinal study points to alarming trends when it comes to the mental health of children who are given access to smartphones at a young age. The study was led by researchers including the scientist and entrepreneur Tara Thiagarajan. They examined self-reported survey questionnaire data from over 110,000 young adults aged 18 to 24. In fact, research reveals that introducing children to smartphones before age 13 increases the risk of long-term mental health issues. These findings underscore the dangers of early smartphone exposure.
The researchers were surprised to find such a clear cause and effect relationship between early smartphone ownership and mental health problems. Specifically, for each year a child owned a smartphone before the age of 13, the likelihood of experiencing poor mental health increased. Alarmingly, about 48% of young women who had smartphones by the ages of 5 or 6 reported severe suicidal thoughts. Only 28% of girls who got smartphones at 13 or above said the same. The trend was mirrored in young men, with 31% of those who got smartphones by ages 5 or 6 experiencing severe suicidal thoughts, compared to 20% of their peers who received the devices later.
Jonathan Haidt, a prominent figure in the discussion around children’s smartphone use, advocates for delaying smartphone ownership until high school. He further suggests that children be barred from using social media until they turn 16. He urges setting up schools as cell-free zones to reduce these dangers.
The study’s authors cautioned against allowing children under 13 access to smartphones and social media, going so far as to call for bans. They emphasize the importance of promoting digital literacy education and holding corporations accountable for their role in children’s digital experiences.
Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician and advocate for children’s health, emphasizes the critical role that parents play in shaping their kids’ smartphone use. She states, “Children watch everything you do — and that doesn’t stop until they leave your house.” Burgert encourages parents to model smart smartphone use. He argues passionately for the need to connect meaningfully with others and how we can’t let our devices distract us from this.
Thiagarajan recently expanded on the psychological effects of early smartphone exposure. She notes, “The younger the child gets a smartphone, the more exposure to all this impacts them psychologically and shapes the way they think and view the world.” She highlights above all that, ideally, children shouldn’t get a smartphone until they’re 14 years old. When they do receive one, it is crucial for parents to engage in discussions about internet interactions and the potential consequences of online behavior.
Dr. Tara Narula adds weight to this argument, stating, “The longer we can push off allowing our kids to be on social media, we are learning, the better.” This sentiment reinforces the necessity for parents and educators to take proactive measures in safeguarding children’s mental health in an increasingly digital world.
