A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics indicates that children who own smartphones by the age of 12 may face increased health risks. Conducted by researchers from Children's Hospital Philadelphia, the University of California at Berkeley, and Columbia University, the study found a correlation between early smartphone ownership and higher instances of mental health challenges, such as depression and insufficient sleep, as well as obesity.

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The analysis examined data from over 10,000 adolescents participating in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD) from 2018 to 2020. This study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, promotes itself as the largest long-term investigation into brain development and child health in the U.S. It revealed that 63.6% of participants owned a smartphone, with the median age of first ownership at 11 years.

Younger children who received smartphones reported worse health outcomes, including poor sleep and obesity, compared to their older peers. Ran Barzilay, the study's lead author and a child psychiatrist, emphasized the focus on the impact of smartphone ownership itself rather than how the devices were used. He noted that children lacking smartphones a year later showed better mental health compared to those who owned them.

Barzilay urged parents to view smartphones as significant factors in their children's health decisions, stressing the need for careful consideration before providing a device. While acknowledging that smartphones can enhance social connections and safety, he also pointed out their potential risks.

Looking ahead, researchers plan to explore the specific aspects of smartphone usage that may contribute to negative health effects and will study younger children who acquire smartphones before age 10 to identify at-risk demographics. Barzilay highlighted the importance of monitoring smartphone use to protect children from harmful content and ensure it does not interfere with sleep.

As smartphone ownership among teens continues to rise, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy advocates for reduced screen time and has suggested creating tech-free zones. According to Pew Research Center, 95% of teens aged 13 to 17 owned smartphones in 2024, with many parents of children aged 11 to 12 reporting similar rates of ownership.