Study Warns Early Smartphone Use May Heighten Mental Health Risks for Children, Especially Girls
A recent study has spotlighted growing concerns over the mental health impact of giving children smartphones before age 13. Findings show that early smartphone use significantly increases the risk of psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation, with young girls particularly vulnerable.
Experts link these effects to constant connectivity, early exposure to social media, and the pressures of online comparison. For many girls, the pursuit of online validation and exposure to idealized images can harm self-esteem and body image, intensifying emotional distress during critical developmental years.
ALSO READ: Peru’s Takanakuy Festival Turns Christmas Day Into a Ritual of Resolution
As smartphones become ever more integrated into daily life, researchers caution that their influence on developing minds is often underestimated. While these devices offer educational benefits and convenience, early unsupervised use may carry serious unintended consequences.
The study has sparked renewed discussions among parents, educators, and health professionals about appropriate timing and methods for introducing smartphones to children. Experts advocate for strong parental guidance, digital literacy education, and clear usage boundaries to promote healthy relationships with technology.
Ultimately, researchers emphasize that the goal is not to reject technology but to ensure it is used in ways that support emotional resilience and long-term mental well-being in the digital age.
Study Warns Early Smartphone Use May Heighten Mental Health Risks for Children, Especially Girls