A sweeping global study has found that giving children smartphones before the age of 13 is strongly associated with poorer mental health outcomes later in life.
Researchers surveyed nearly 2 million people across over 160 countries and discovered that early smartphone ownership increases risks of depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, and low self-worth, especially among girls. The study highlights that the negative effects are not limited to social media use, but extend to overall screen exposure and its impact on brain development and behavior. Experts are urging parents to delay giving smartphones to children and calling for policy changes, including school bans and raising the minimum age for device ownership.
The findings reinforce growing concerns about the long-term consequences of early digital exposure on children's mental and emotional well-being.
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