A large-scale American study has shown that owning smartphones in early adolescence is linked to higher chances of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep. A survey of over 10,500 boys and girls from 21 states between 2018 and 2021 was also conducted to screen for depression, obesity, and whether they were getting a full nine hours of sleep each night. Researchers in the journal 'Pediatrics' reported that nearly two-thirds of children own a smartphone before the age of 12. The researchers found that these young smartphone owners were 31% more likely to suffer from depression, 40% more likely to be obese, and 62% more likely to have insufficient sleep compared to their peers who did not own smartphones. By age 13, those who did not own a smartphone at age 12 but got one in the past year were 57% more likely to report symptoms of clinical depression and 50% more likely to not get enough sleep compared to children who did not own smartphones. The researchers also found that the younger the child was when they got a smartphone, the higher the likelihood of them developing obesity and insufficient sleep by age 13. Dr. Ran Barzilai of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, who led the study, said in a statement: 'The results of our study suggest that we should look at smartphones as a significant influencing factor in adolescent health, and approach the decision to give a child a phone with caution, taking into account the potential impact on their life and health.' The study cannot prove that smartphones caused these problems. Barzilai said: 'Instead, we call for careful consideration of the health-related consequences, balancing both the positive and negative outcomes.' He added: 'For many adolescents, smartphones can play a constructive role by fostering social bonds, supporting learning, and providing access to information and resources that promote personal growth.'
