Children who have smartphones by age 12 are at increased risk of health problems, new study finds

New Study Reveals Alarming Link Between Smartphone Ownership in Children Under 12 and Increased Risk of Health Problems.

A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Pediatrics has found that children who own a smartphone by age 12 are more likely to experience mental health issues, obesity, depression, and poor sleep patterns. Researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 adolescents aged 8-18 across the US and discovered that younger children, particularly those receiving their first smartphone before age 11, were at higher risk of these health problems.

The study's lead author, Dr. Ran Barzilay, a child psychiatrist, emphasizes that owning a smartphone has no correlation with what activities kids engage in on their device. Instead, the researchers asked if having a smartphone at a young age was linked to health outcomes. The answer is alarming: children who owned smartphones were more likely to experience poor sleep and obesity compared to those without devices.

Interestingly, one year after obtaining a smartphone, children without phones had better mental health than those with devices. When examining the data, researchers found that the mere possession of a smartphone, not its usage, was linked to negative health outcomes. Barzilay stresses the importance of parents being cautious when deciding whether to give their child a phone, as smartphones can have both positive and negative effects on teens' lives.

The study's findings align with growing concerns about screen time and its impact on children and adolescents. Experts, including former US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, recommend limiting screen time and encouraging in-person friendships to promote mental health.

Key statistics from the Pew Research Center reveal that nearly 95% of teens aged 13-17 own a smartphone, with more than half of parents between 11-12 years old also giving their children smartphones. As Barzilay notes, once kids get their first phone, it's essential to monitor their usage and ensure they're not exposed to inappropriate content.

The researchers behind the study aim to investigate specific aspects of smartphone use that contribute to negative health effects in young people, particularly those who acquired smartphones before age 10. Ultimately, the goal is to identify strategies for protecting children from the potential consequences outlined in this disturbing study.

You know I was reading about this study and it's literally crazy how much a smartphone can affect kids' health . Like, they found out that having a phone by age 12 increases the risk of mental health issues, obesity, and poor sleep patterns . And what's even weirder is that parents giving their kids phones before 11 has a bigger impact than the actual usage of the device .

I'm not saying I'm a pro-smartphone or anything, but it makes me think about how we're introducing these things to our kids so young . I mean, they need time to develop and learn social skills without all this screen time . And honestly, it's scary because what if they get addicted or exposed to too much negativity online?

I guess the study is trying to say that parents need to be more careful when deciding whether to give their kids a phone . They should monitor usage and ensure they're not exposed to anything bad . And it's cool that the researchers are looking into specific aspects of smartphone use that might be contributing to these negative health effects .

Anyway, I think this study is like, super important . We need to start thinking about how smartphones affect our kids' lives and find ways to protect them from any potential harm .

I'm getting a little worried about all these kids having phones so young I mean, I get it, they need some way to stay in touch with their friends and family, but 11 is still pretty young for a phone... and the fact that owning one by then can lead to mental health issues and obesity is just crazy . My own kids are at that age now, so this study has me thinking about whether I should be more careful about when I get them their first device . And yeah, it's not even about how much they use it, but just having a phone can have negative effects... I guess what I'm trying to say is, parents need to be super aware of this and make sure they're setting boundaries and monitoring usage

I'm not surprised by these findings at all . I mean, have you seen how many ads are on Instagram? It's like, kids are literally glued to their screens 24/7. And don't even get me started on Fortnite and Minecraft - those games can be pretty addictive! My cousin's kid has one of these smartphones by the time he was 10 and now he's always glued to his phone. His parents are always like "put it down, son" but he just won't listen . I think this study is a wake-up call for parents to be more careful about what kind of content their kids are exposed to online. It's not just about screen time, it's about the actual content they're consuming .

I'm totally getting a bad vibe from this study . I mean, I get it, kids need some freedom and independence, but 95% of teens owning smartphones? That's like, crazy town! My kid just turned 12 and already my parents are thinking about getting them a phone... I hope they're not setting themselves up for a lifetime of sleepless nights, depression, and obesity . The study makes some valid points though - kids need boundaries and parental guidance when it comes to screen time and device usage . We gotta be more mindful of how we're raising our little ones in this digital age . Maybe instead of giving them a phone, parents should focus on teaching them how to play outside, cook healthy meals, and have meaningful conversations with friends?

I'm so worried about my younger cousins ... I mean, I know some of them love their phones and can't put them down, but it's crazy to think that owning a smartphone by 12 could lead to health problems like depression and obesity . The fact that having just the phone itself can affect their mental health is mind-blowing . I remember when my own parents were my age, they didn't have all these new-fangled gadgets, and we turned out just fine . It's up to our parents to monitor their kids' phone use and make sure they're not getting too sucked into the screen world .

I'm getting really worried about our kids' mobile habits . I mean, it's not all bad, we get them connected and stuff. But at what cost? It's like they're missing out on actual human interactions . And poor sleep patterns? That's no joke . As a parent myself, it's hard to know whether to cave in or not when the pressure comes from your little one begging for their first phone .

I think we need to take a step back and consider what our priorities are as parents . We want them safe and happy, right? So maybe that means setting some boundaries around screen time . I'm not saying no phones at all, just... moderation . And let's get the conversation going with schools and communities to find out how we can help our young'uns navigate this digital world without losing their way

omg I had no idea our phones were so bad for us I mean I love my phone like it's my best friend but now I'm thinking twice about giving my little brother a phone at 10 lol my sister got her first smartphone when she was 11 and she's always been super responsible with it, does that really mean she'll be fine tho? what's the limit age for phones anyway? I feel like we're being told to get rid of our phones but then we don't know how to communicate with each other anymore

I totally get why parents are worried about giving their kids a phone at such a young age... it's like, we want them to be connected and stuff, but we also don't want them getting sucked into all that screen time nonsense . I think the fact that just having a phone is linked to bad health outcomes is wild... like, what even is that? And yeah, it's super interesting that the study found that one year after getting their first phone, kids without phones had better mental health .

I know some parents might feel like they're missing out on being connected with their kids if they don't let them have a phone right away, but I think it's great that Dr. Barzilay is saying we need to be cautious and monitor usage... it's all about finding that balance, you know?

OMG what's up with these new gen kids & their smartphones?! I mean, I get it, they wanna stay connected w/ their mates but like, at what cost? I know some of my friends' little ones got their first phone at like 9 or 10 and now they're struggling w/ anxiety & depression . The study's saying that even if they don't use it much, just having the thing is bad news . I'm all for parents being careful about what devices they get their kiddos but like, come on! Can we not find a happy medium? My niece got her first phone last yr & at first she was glued to it , now she's trying to limit her screen time & do more outdoor stuff . I guess the study's saying that's what needs 2 happen... more outdoor playtime & less screen time

I'm surprised they're only now getting around to publishing a study about how smartphones are messing with our kids' brains . Like, what took them so long? I mean, I've been worried about my own kid's screen time for years... and the experts finally get together and publish a study that confirms all my concerns . 95% of teens have a smartphone, that's just wild considering how much of an impact it must be having on their mental health . And now they're saying parents should monitor their usage? Yeah right, like most parents aren't already doing that (unfortunately) . I guess this study is just good timing for all the parents out there who are about to hand over their kid's first phone ...

awww man kids and their phones! i remember when my little cousins got their first phone and it was like a whole new world opened up for them... or so i thought . anyhoo, gotta say, this study is super scary . all these health problems just because they have a phone? that's like, what's next? parents need to be extra careful when deciding whether to give their kids the device. and once they get it, constant monitoring is key . it's not about taking away their phones completely (i mean, come on, they're already glued to screens), but making sure they use them responsibly . we gotta protect these kids from all the potential harm . anyone else think this study should be shared with parents and teachers?

I'm not surprised by these findings . I mean, we've all seen our kids glued to their screens at dinner time or before bed. It's like they can't put down their devices even when there's a whole world outside waiting to be explored . But seriously, this study highlights the importance of setting boundaries and being mindful of how much screen time is too much. I'm not saying smartphones are bad or that we should get rid of them entirely . It's just about finding that balance where kids can use their devices responsibly and without negative effects on their health.

I wish more parents were aware of this stuff, to be honest . I've seen so many parents hand over their phone to their 8-year-old and just let them go wild . It's like we're setting them up for a lifetime of screen addiction . But at the same time, I also think that smartphones can be a great tool for kids – they can help with homework, connect them with family and friends who live far away . So yeah, it's all about moderation and finding ways to make technology work for our kids, not against them .

I'd love to see more research on this topic, though . What specific aspects of smartphone use are contributing to these negative health effects? Are there certain apps or features that are more likely to cause problems? The more we know, the better equipped we can be to help our kids navigate the world of smartphones .

I'm so worried about our little ones . This study is like, super important! I mean, we know screens can be bad for us, but to see it affecting kids as young as 8 is just not cool . It's all about moderation, guys. Parents need to keep an eye on their kids' phone usage and make sure they're not getting too much screen time before bed, 'cause that's when the problems start to happen .

And it's not like having a phone means you'll be playing video games or something bad all day... nope! The study says it's just about owning one in the first place. So yeah, let's keep those phones away from our mini-mes until they're, like, way older . Experts say limiting screen time and encouraging friends is key to good mental health. Let's make sure we're doing that for our little ones !

I'm not surprised by these findings at all, but it's super concerning. I mean, think about it - kids are basically glued to their screens from a young age and that can't be good for them . It's like we're setting the stage for a lifetime of health problems just because we want our little ones to be connected 24/7. And don't even get me started on the whole 'once they get their first phone, it's essential to monitor their usage' thing... yeah right . How many parents can say they've been able to control their kid's phone use from day one? It's just not realistic.

I do think it's interesting that there's a difference between having a phone and actually using it, though. Maybe we need to rethink our whole approach to screen time and focus on finding ways to balance technology use with actual face-to-face interaction . I mean, who says kids can't have fun on their phones without sacrificing their mental health? It's all about finding that balance, right?

I'm definitely going to be having some conversations with my friends and family about this now... it's time we start taking responsibility for our own tech habits and setting a better example for the next gen .

This study just got me thinking... like what's really going on here? Why are these phones so addictive and bad for our little ones? I mean, think about it - they get their first phone at 11 and suddenly their mental health starts to suffer? It's almost like the phone is some kind of Trojan horse...

And have you noticed how quickly those kids start using them after getting one? Like, what's so appealing about these devices that we need to give them to our kids by age 12? I'm not saying parents are bad, but it's gotta be more than just a "necessary tool" for keeping in touch with friends and family...

And the researchers are all like "it's the phone itself, not what's on it"... but isn't that kinda just a cop-out? Like, what if there is something on these devices that's causing some kind of mass effect on our kids' brains or whatever? We need to dig deeper than just "phone ownership" to figure this out...