A new international study has revealed that children who receive smartphones before the age of 13 are significantly more likely to develop mental health problems. Early social media exposure, cyberbullying, poor sleep, and family stress are considered the main contributing factors. This research, based on over 100,000 participants, serves as a warning sign for parents and educators alike.
International Study: A new international study has revealed that children who are given smartphones before the age of 13 are at increased risk of severe mental health issues. The study involved young adults aged 18 to 24 who started using smartphones at age 12 or younger. According to the report, issues such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, lack of emotional control, and detachment from reality are common. This research warns parents and educators to pay special attention to children's digital exposure.
Early Smartphone Use Increases Mental Health Risks
A new international study reveals that children given smartphones before the age of 13 are at significantly higher risk of developing mental health problems. According to the research, young adults aged 18 to 24 who started using phones at age 12 or younger commonly experience issues such as suicidal thoughts, increased aggression, lack of emotional control, and detachment from reality. This study, involving over 100,000 participants, identifies early social media exposure, cyberbullying, poor sleep, and family stress as the primary causes.
Scientists say that early smartphone access can have a profound impact on brain development. Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, a leading neuroscientist, stated that the negative effects are not limited to depression and anxiety but can also manifest as violent tendencies and severe mental ideations. It is crucial for parents to pay special attention to their children's digital exposure.
Different Effects on Girls and Boys
The study found that early smartphone access affects girls and boys differently. In girls, poor self-image, lack of confidence, and decreased emotional resilience are common, while boys are more likely to exhibit a lack of calm temperament, reduced empathy, and an unstable mindset.
According to the study's data, children who received their first phone at age 13 had an average Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) score of 30, while those who had a phone at age 5 had a score of only 1. A 9.5% increase in severe mental symptoms was observed in women, and a 7% increase in men. Early social media access exacerbated problems in approximately 40% of cases.
Suggestions for Policymakers and Schools
Researchers have suggested four essential steps to protect children's mental health: mandatory education on digital literacy and mental health, strict monitoring of social media use for children under 13, limiting social media access, and phased restrictions on smartphone use based on age.
Many countries around the world have started taking steps in this direction. France, the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand have already banned smartphones in schools. New York State in the United States has recently joined this list.
