Khaberni - A large American study showed that owning smartphones in early adolescence is associated with higher chances of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep.
A survey was conducted of more than 10,500 boys and girls from 21 states between the years 2018 and 2021, they were also examined to detect depression, obesity, and whether they obtained 9 full hours of sleep each night or not.
The researchers in the journal Pediatrics reported that nearly two-thirds of the children owned a smartphone before the age of 12.
The researchers found that these youngsters who owned smartphones were 31% more likely to suffer from depression, 40% more likely to suffer from obesity, and 62% more likely to suffer from sleep deficiency compared to their peers who did not own smartphones.
By the age of 13, those who did not own a smartphone at age 12 but acquired a smartphone in the past year were 57% more likely to report symptoms of clinical depression and 50% more likely not to get enough sleep compared to children who still did not own smartphones.
The researchers also found that the younger the children were when they got a smartphone, the greater the chances of them suffering from obesity and insufficient sleep at age 13.
Dr. Ran Barzilai from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, who led the study, said in a statement, "The findings we reached suggest that we should look at smartphones as an important influencing factor in teenagers' health, and that we should be cautious and consider the potential impacts on their lives and health when deciding to give a child a smartphone."
The study cannot prove that smartphones caused these problems.
Barzilai mentioned, "Instead, we call for careful consideration of the health implications, and to balance both the positive and negative consequences."
He added, "For many teenagers, smartphones can play a constructive role by promoting social connections, supporting learning, and providing access to information and resources that enhance personal growth."
