New research suggests that giving a child a smartphone by age 12 may increase the risk of developing eating disorders. A national study involving nearly 9,000 adolescents found that smartphone ownership at this age correlates with a higher likelihood of reporting symptoms related to eating disorders and body image issues, both at age 12 and again two years later.
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The study revealed that approximately 70% of participants owned a smartphone by age 12. Among these, 16% reported at least one eating disorder symptom, compared to 11.3% of those without smartphones. By age 14, the rates rose to 24% for smartphone owners and 15.5% for those who did not own one at 12.
Dr. Shannon Bennett, a clinical psychologist and associate director of The Center for Youth Mental Health at NewYork-Presbyterian, noted the study's robust design, highlighting both cross-sectional and longitudinal findings that indicate a connection between early smartphone use and eating disorder symptoms.
Dr. Bennett identified four key insights from the study. First, earlier smartphone use is linked to increased body image issues. She emphasized that unsupervised phone use at a young age exposes children to idealized body images, which can negatively affect body perception. The context of smartphone use also matters; actively engaging with friends online may have more positive outcomes than passive scrolling, which has been associated with higher anxiety and depression rates.
Second, the early adolescent brain is particularly vulnerable to social stress and emotional turmoil. Different brain areas develop at varying rates, leading to difficulties in making balanced decisions about self-worth and social acceptance.
Third, while young girls were found to be more concerned about weight gain related to smartphone ownership, boys also face pressure to conform to body standards. Dr. Bennett highlighted the growing impact of online trends among boys that promote unsafe behaviors to enhance physical appearance. She urged parents to discuss online content with their children and foster responsible online behavior.
Finally, the study linked nighttime smartphone use to poor sleep quality, a factor that can further exacerbate the risk of eating disorders. Lack of sleep disrupts hormonal and neurochemical balances, leading to increased cravings and potential binge eating. Dr. Bennett recommends keeping smartphones out of bedrooms at night to reduce scrolling and improve sleep quality.
The study also outlines indicators of eating disorders for parents, educators, and caregivers to watch for, such as restrictive eating patterns, compensatory behaviors, and social withdrawal. Recognizing these signs early can lead to more effective intervention and support. The Center for Youth Mental Health aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between social media, mood, and eating disorders through educational content and open communication.