Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Early Smartphone Use Linked to Poorer Mental Health Outcomes
Smartphones might be hurting kids' minds.
Experts looked at how young people who got phones early felt.
They found that kids who got phones before age 13 might have more problems with their feelings and how they see themselves.
Girls felt less confident, while boys felt less calm.
Experts suggest waiting until kids are 14 to give them phones, and teaching them how to use the internet safely.
They also noted cyberbullying and family issues also impact children's mental health.
Experts warn early smartphone use may negatively impact children's mental health.
A study analyzed data from over 100,000 young adults, linking early phone use to worse mental health.
Early smartphone ownership before age 13 was associated with lower self-image in both genders.
Girls showed lower emotional resilience and confidence, while boys reported feeling less calm.
Experts recommend delaying smartphone use until age 14, promoting digital education.
- Who
- Experts and researchers analyzing the impact of early smartphone use.
- What
- Study reveals link between early smartphone use and poorer mental health outcomes in young adults.
- When
- Study data collected from young adults between ages 18 and 24.
- Where
- Study findings not specific to a particular location; study participants from different regions.
- Why
- To understand the effects of smartphones on children's mental well-being and suggest guidelines.
General consensus
Expert Opinion
Recommendations on Child Phone Usage
General consensus
Early exposure to smartphones is linked to poor mental health, lower self-image and self-worth for children.
Expert Opinion
Experts and studies suggest waiting until kids are 14 to give them phones, and teaching them how to use the internet safely.
- Study Sample Size
- Over 100,000 young adults (ages 18-24)
- Early Smartphone Age
- Before age 13
- Girls with suicidal thoughts (early phone use)
- Nearly 48%
- Girls with suicidal thoughts (later phone use)
- 28%
- Boys with suicidal thoughts (early phone use)
- 31%
- Boys with suicidal thoughts (later phone use)
- 20%