Kids who own smartphones before age 13 have worse mental health outcomes: Study
a day ago
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- Children owning smartphones before age 13 have worse mental health outcomes.
- Early smartphone use linked to low self-image in both girls and boys.
- Girls reported lower emotional resilience and confidence; boys felt less calm and empathetic.
- 48% of young women with smartphones by age 5-6 had severe suicidal thoughts vs. 28% at age 13+.
- 31% of young men with smartphones by age 5-6 had severe suicidal thoughts vs. 20% at age 13+.
- Social media usage, cyberbullying, poor sleep, and family relationships impact mental health.
- Study recommends restricting smartphone/social media for kids under 13, promoting digital literacy.
- Experts suggest delaying smartphone use until age 14 and discussing responsible internet use.
- Jonathan Haidt proposes no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16.
- Parents should model responsible smartphone use and prioritize human connections over devices.
- AAP recommends the 5 C's of media use: Child, Content, Calm, Crowding out, Communication.