A sweeping global study has found that children who receive smartphones before age 13 face significantly higher risks of poor mental health outcomes, including depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, and low self-worth.
The research, which surveyed nearly 2 million people across more than 160 countries, highlights that early exposure to smartphones and social media can have lasting negative effects on emotional and social development. Experts are urging parents to delay giving smartphones to preteens, emphasizing that the minimum recommended age for smartphone ownership and social media use should be 13. The findings have sparked renewed calls for policy changes and parental vigilance, as screen addiction and overuse continue to rise among young children.
The study underscores the urgent need for families and schools to set healthy boundaries around technology use to protect children's mental well-being.
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