A new US study has revealed that smartphone use among children under the age of 12 is linked to higher risks of depression, obesity and sleep deprivation.
According to fresh research by the American Academy of Pediatrics, pre-teens who use smartphones are more likely to experience negative health effects, including mood disorders and weight gain.
The study analyzed data from over 10,000 children, comparing those who received smartphones before age 12 with those who began using them during their teenage years. The findings were described as striking.
Children who had smartphones in early childhood or pre-teen years showed:
31% higher chances of developing depression
40% greater likelihood of obesity
62% higher risk of experiencing sleep deprivation
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Researchers say the results highlight the need for a strong framework to regulate and guide smartphone use among children and adolescents to support healthier development.
The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, also noted that outcomes were significantly better for pre-teen children who used smartphones under parental supervision and with limited screen time.
