A sweeping global study has found that children who receive smartphones before the age of 13 face significantly higher risks of poor mental health outcomes later in life.
The research, which surveyed millions across 160 countries, links early smartphone ownership to increased rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, and lower self-worth, especially among girls. Experts warn that excessive screen time and exposure to social media are key drivers of these negative effects, urging parents to delay giving smartphones to preteens.
The findings have prompted calls for stricter guidelines and even bans on smartphone and social media use for children under 13. Mental health professionals emphasize the urgent need for parents and policymakers to address this growing public health concern.
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