Getting a smartphone before age 13 linked to worse mental health in young adulthood

A recent study reveals that children who receive their first smartphone before the age of 13 are more likely to experience poorer mental health in young adulthood. The research, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, indicates that early smartphone access is primarily linked to increased usage of social media platforms.

This exposure can lead to cyberbullying, strained family relationships, and sleep disturbances. The study, conducted by Tara C. Thiagarajan and her team at Sapien Labs, analyzed data from over 100,000 young adults across 163 countries. Participants completed a Mind Health Quotient survey, which assessed 47 different aspects of mental well-being.

The findings showed that those who received their first smartphone at age five or six had significantly worse mental health outcomes compared to those who got their first phone at age 13. For instance, the average Mind Health Quotient score was 30 for those who got their first smartphone at age 13, dropping to 1 for those who received one at age five.

The study also found that females who acquired a smartphone at a very young age reported a 9.5 percent higher rate of severe mental health struggles compared to males. Symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, and detachment from reality were more prevalent among those with earlier smartphone access. The researchers suggest that the negative impacts stem from social media use, including cyberbullying, poor family relationships, and sleep disruptions, which are all linked to early smartphone ownership.