A sweeping global study has found that children who own smartphones before the age of 13 face significantly higher risks of mental health issues, including depression, low self-worth, aggression, and even suicidal thoughts, later in life.
Researchers surveyed nearly 2 million people across more than 160 countries and consistently found that early smartphone access is associated with poorer mental health outcomes in both boys and girls, with especially pronounced effects in girls. The study highlights that screen time and exposure to social media at a young age can disrupt sleep, social development, and emotional well-being. Experts are now urging parents to delay giving smartphones to children until at least age 13 and to limit screen time for younger kids.
The findings have sparked calls for policy changes, including school bans on smartphones and increased public awareness about the risks of early digital exposure.
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