Does owning a smartphone before this age increase health risks?

Owning a smartphone before 12 years of age could impact a child’s risk of developing mental health issues and obesity, according to new research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Researchers examined the results of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health and described as the largest long-term study of brain development and child health. Of more than 10,000 participants, about 64% owned a smartphone, with the median age of getting the phone being 11 years old.

They compared the 12-year-old participants who owned a smartphone with the 12-year-old participants who did not and found those who had a smartphone were at an increased risk of depression, obesity and insufficient sleep. What’s more, the younger the child was when they received their smartphone, the greater the risk of adverse health outcomes.

How do smartphones impact a child’s health?

The study’s authors plan to further investigate which components of smartphone ownership likely contribute to these adverse health effects, as this study did not take into consideration what those features might be. They also acknowledged that for many families, smartphones are critical for safety and communication.

“That is why it’s important for parents and caregivers to weigh the benefits and potential risks of smartphone ownership for their adolescent,” says Dr. Tamara Lim, a pediatrician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “Adolescents exhibit a range of maturity levels, so while some may mature emotionally, socially and cognitively at an earlier age, others may take longer to do so. Understanding this variability is critical as parents and caregivers navigate decisions such as smartphone ownership.”

Is a smartphone right for your child?

Dr. Lim recommends that you consider the following when determining if it’s the appropriate time for your child to have a smartphone:

• Is a smartphone necessary to help them get to and from school or activities safely?
• Are they likely to lose or misplace the smartphone?
• Are you prepared to set parameters around usage, such as time spent on social media?

“There are alternative options to traditional smartphones if you do not feel as though your child or adolescent is ready for the responsibility,” says Dr. Lim. “Look into options like kid-specific smartphones, watches and basic flip phones. These options can provide the desired safety and communication of typical smartphones while minimizing some of the potential risks of ownership.”

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