A sweeping global study involving nearly 2 million participants across 160+ countries has found that children who receive smartphones before age 13 face significantly higher risks of mental health issues later in life.
Early smartphone ownership is associated with increased rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, poor self-image, and lower self-worth, with especially pronounced effects in girls. Experts warn that exposure to social media and excessive screen time at a young age can disrupt healthy brain development, sleep, and emotional regulation. The research urges parents to delay giving smartphones to children until at least age 13 to help protect their mental well-being.
Calls are growing for stricter guidelines and even bans on smartphone and social media use for preteens.
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