A study published this Monday (1st) in the magazine Pediatrics identified that American teenagers who received their first smartphone at age 12 or earlier face increased risks of mental health problems and obesity. The research analyzed data from more than 10 thousand participants from the Estudo of Desenvolvimento Cognitivo of the Cérebro Adolescente (ABCD), conducted between 2018 and 2020.
The results indicate an association between early possession of the device and a higher incidence of depression, insufficient sleep and weight above the recommended level. Crianças who obtained the device at a younger age recorded more intense negative impacts compared to those who received the smartphone at an older age.
The analysis only considered the fact of owning the device, without evaluating the type of use or screen time. Mesmo controlling for variables such as ownership of tablets or other devices, the negative effects remained consistent.
Survey data shows average age of 11 years for first cell phone
The survey revealed that 63.6% of participants already had a smartphone in the initial phase of the study. The median age for purchasing the first device was 11 years.
- Participants who received the device at age 12 or younger had worse mental health a year later.
- The group without a smartphone recorded better well-being indicators in the same period.
- The earlier the access, the higher the rates of obesity and sleep disorders observed.
The researchers highlighted that the results were maintained even after adjustments for socioeconomic factors and the presence of other electronic devices.
Researchers point to possession of the device as an independent risk factor
Lead author Ran Barzilay, a child psychiatrist at Hospital Infantil at Filadélfia, explained that the study focused only on smartphone ownership. The investigation did not examine content accessed or daily duration of use.
Barzilay stated that the simple fact of having the device available in pre-adolescence is already associated with negative health outcomes. Ele reinforced that the survey controlled the presence of tablets and iPads, keeping the statistical relationship unchanged.
The expert highlighted that smartphones can bring social and educational benefits. However, current data indicate the need for caution when deciding whether to give the device to younger children.
Survey followed more than 10 thousand teenagers for two years
The Estudo ABCD brings together information from participants from different regions of the Estados Unidos. Financiado by Institutos Nacionais of Saúde (NIH), the project has been tracking brain development and health indicators since 2018.
The current sample included adolescents assessed at multiple points in time between 2018 and 2020. The researchers compared groups with and without smartphones in different age ranges of acquisition.
Results showed a clear pattern: the younger the age when receiving the first device, the worse the mental and physical health indicators recorded later. The difference remained significant even after detailed statistical adjustments.
Experts recommend careful evaluation before handing over a smartphone
Barzilay advised parents to consider smartphones as a relevant factor for their children’s health. Ele suggested consideration before providing the device to children under 12 years of age.
The psychiatrist acknowledged that many teenagers will end up having smartphones eventually. Nessas situations, recommended content monitoring and sleep schedule protection.
Next steps include analysis of even younger children
The team plans to investigate impacts on participants who received smartphones before age 10. The objective is to identify groups most vulnerable to negative effects.
Future research aims to detail which aspects of possession or use generate the greatest risks. Scientists are looking for strategies to minimize harm to teenagers who already have the devices.
The current study reinforces previous warnings about excessive screen time in childhood and adolescence. Dados of Pew Research Center of 2024 show that 95% of young Americans aged 13 to 17 already have their own smartphone.
Numbers reveal early access is increasingly common in Estados Unidos
Recent research indicates that more than half of American children aged 11 to 12 already have a smartphone. Entre 8 and 10 years, the percentage reaches almost 30%.
The data demonstrate a trend of continuous reduction in the age at first access. Especialistas monitor the phenomenon with attention to possible repercussions on youth public health.
