A new study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities has found that children who use smartphones before the age of 13 are more likely to experience severe mental health problems later in life. The research, led by Tara Thiagarajan at neuroscience startup Sapien Labs, tracked over 100,000 young adults aged 18-24 and found that those who got their first smartphone at a younger age experienced increased suicidal ideation, aggression, and hallucinations.
The study highlights the importance of waiting until children are at least 13 before giving them access to smartphones. Thiagarajan calls for urgent action to limit access to children under 13 and more nuanced regulation on digital environments. The study’s findings suggest that factors such as social media use, cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and poor family relationships can lead to adult mental health symptoms that may not be captured by standard screeners.
The research is part of a growing body of evidence suggesting that smartphones have real and severe mental health consequences for children. The study’s recommendations include mandating digital literacy education, enforcing corporate accountability, and adopting a precautionary approach similar to regulations on alcohol and tobacco.
Source: https://futurism.com/neoscope/study-younger-kids-smartphones