A recent global study of over 100,000 young people found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poorer mental health and overall well-being in early adulthood. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, highlight the urgent need for action. Experts are calling on parents to be cautious, as the data shows a clear link between early smartphone ownership and a range of issues, including suicidal thoughts.

The link between smartphones and mind health

The study found that 18 to 24-year-olds who got their first smartphone at age 12 or younger were more likely to report a number of mental health challenges. These included lower self-worth, emotional regulation difficulties, and even a detachment from reality. According to lead author Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, the founder of Sapien Labs, the data indicates that early smartphone ownership and the social media access it brings are linked to a profound shift in mind health.

How social media access plays a major role

The research suggests that the negative effects of early smartphone ownership are largely tied to social media. A closer look at the data shows that early social media access explains about 40% of the association between getting a smartphone young and later mental health issues. Other factors, such as disrupted sleep (12%), poor family relationships (13%), and a higher risk of cyberbullying (10%) also play a significant role.

Although many social media platforms have a minimum age of 13, this rule is often not enforced, and the average age of first smartphone ownership continues to drop. This means many children are spending hours a day on their devices, impacting their opportunities for face-to-face interactions and sleep.

A call for a precautionary approach

The study utilized the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), a self-assessment tool, to measure the mental well-being of participants. The results revealed that young adults who received their first smartphone before age 13 had significantly lower MHQ scores. For example, those who got their first smartphone at age 13 scored an average of 30, while those who had one at age five scored just one.

While the study does not claim to prove direct causation, the authors at Sapien Labs argue that the potential for harm is too great to ignore. They believe the evidence justifies a precautionary response to protect the mental health of future generations.

Picture: Early smartphone use is linked to mental health issues (Gemini)

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