Children under the age of 13 lack maturity to handle smartphones safely. Here's the explanation.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers have linked early smartphone use to significant mental health risks in children, particularly those who access social media before the age of 13. The findings, published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities, suggest that global restrictions on smartphone and social media use for children under 13 could be crucial in safeguarding their developing minds.
Key findings from the study include higher rates of suicidal thoughts, aggressive behaviour, detachment from reality, poor emotional regulation, and lowered self-worth, especially among girls. These associations were consistent across two major studies involving nearly 2 million people from 163 countries and over 100,000 young people.
The negative mental health outcomes are largely attributed to early exposure to social media, cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and poor family relationships, factors exacerbated by early smartphone and social media use. Neuroscientist Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, the study's lead author, emphasises the urgency for global policy action and restrictions on smartphone and social media access for children under 13.
The study's findings go beyond typical symptoms of depression and anxiety, highlighting issues like detachment from reality and increased aggression that might be missed by standard mental health screens but have significant societal consequences. Estimates suggest that restricting smartphone access in childhood could reduce clinical-level mental distress by up to 8.5% and suicidal thoughts by up to 20% in younger populations.
While discussions around banning phones in schools show mixed evidence on improving student mental health, the strongest evidence supporting calls for restrictions relates specifically to early life smartphone ownership combined with social media access.
As parents, it's essential to communicate with our children about the potential negative effects of smartphone use and the ongoing research in the field. Parental controls, switching to a flip phone, or deleting apps or features on a child's smartphone can be effective measures. If a child has already used a smartphone before age 13, parents should discuss potential negative effects with them and seek help if symptoms arise.
Moreover, parents can be more active voices in debates on smartphone and social media regulation. They can connect with other parents in their community to collectively agree not to let their children get smartphones until they're older. Parents can also push for better smartphone policies in their children's schools and seek schools with stronger policies regarding smartphone usage on campus.
Clinical psychologist Melissa Greenberg suggests that parents consider starting a pledge not to let kids use smartphones until the end of eighth grade, as groups like Wait Until 8th have already created similar pledges. Kara Alaimo, an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University, has published a book titled "Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls - And How We Can Take It Back" in 2024, further emphasising the need for conscious smartphone and social media use among children.
In conclusion, the evidence supporting global restrictions on children under 13 using smartphones and social media is robust and based on associations with suicidal ideation, emotional and cognitive disruptions, and the social harms that accompany early digital exposure. As responsible parents and guardians, it's crucial to take these findings seriously and take proactive steps to protect our children's mental health.
[1] Thiagarajan, T., et al. (2023). Early life smartphone use and mental health: A global analysis. Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities. [2] Rideout, V., et al. (2019). The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens. Common Sense Media. [3] Greenberg, M., et al. (2023). The Impact of Early Smartphone Use on Adolescent Mental Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Adolescent Health. [4] Alaimo, K. (2024). Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls - And How We Can Take It Back. Random House. [5] Sapien Labs (2023). The Global Mind Project: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Mental Health. Sapien Labs.
- The study reveals a correlation between early smartphone use and diminished mental health in children, significantly impacting areas such as self-worth, emotional regulation, and even aggressive behavior, with higher rates observed among girls.
- In an attempt to safeguard the mental health of children, parents are advised to discuss the potential risks of smartphone use, apply parental controls, or even switch to a flip phone, considering ongoing research in the field of health-and-wellness, including mental health and science.
