A sweeping global study has found that children who receive smartphones before the age of 13 face significantly higher risks of poor mental health outcomes later in life.
The research, which surveyed millions across 160 countries, links early smartphone ownership to increased rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, aggression, and lower self-worth, especially among girls. Experts warn that excessive screen time and early exposure to social media are key drivers of these negative effects, impacting both brain development and social skills. The study urges parents to delay giving smartphones to children until at least age 13 and calls for greater digital literacy education and policy changes to protect young minds.
Mental health professionals and educators are sounding the alarm, emphasizing that the risks of early smartphone use are profound and far-reaching.
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