Early Smartphone Use Tied to Youth Mental Health

A global study of over 100,000 young adults published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is strongly linked to poorer mental health in early adulthood, with negative outcomes especially pronounced among girls. Early smartphone ownership is associated with increased suicidal thoughts, aggression, emotional dysregulation, detachment from reality, and low self-worth. These issues are tied to premature social media exposure, cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and worsening family relationships. Experts recommend delaying smartphone ownership until at least age 13 and urge policymakers to implement restrictions similar to those for alcohol and tobacco, as well as digital literacy education and greater corporate accountability. Parental involvement, setting boundaries, and considering less advanced devices are advised to help mitigate risks. Several countries and U.S. states have already taken steps to restrict smartphone use in schools to address these concerns.