Study Identifies Ideal Age for Children to Receive Smartphones
December 1, 2025427 AufrufeLesezeit: 2 Minuten
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As smartphones have become integral to daily life, many parents are questioning the appropriate age to introduce these devices to their children. A recent study published in the Journal of Pediatrics indicates that giving a smartphone to a child before the age of twelve may increase the risk of depression, obesity, and sleep deprivation compared to those who do not have one.
Study Details
The researchers analyzed data from over 10,500 children participating in a long-term study on the cognitive development of teenagers, which is the largest of its kind in the United States, according to the New York Times.
The findings revealed that children who received smartphones before turning twelve were more susceptible to sleep problems and adverse mental health indicators. Furthermore, preliminary results suggested that children who did not own a smartphone before this age were less likely to exhibit these symptoms after a year compared to those who received devices at an earlier age.
Expert Recommendations
Dr. Ran Barzilay, the study's lead author and a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, stated, "When giving a smartphone to your child, it should be viewed as a significant health consideration and approached accordingly."
Professor Jacqueline Nesi from Brown University emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts regarding smartphone usage for children, noting that providing the device before the child and family are fully prepared can be risky, particularly due to unrestricted internet access.
Impact of Smartphones on Sleep
Most studies suggest that smartphones can hinder children from obtaining sufficient sleep. A 2023 study reported that 63% of children aged 11 to 12 had an electronic device in their bedroom, with 17% indicating they had woken up in the past week due to phone notifications.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California, recommended removing smartphones from bedrooms at night to mitigate these effects, even if children already own devices.
Study Details
The researchers analyzed data from over 10,500 children participating in a long-term study on the cognitive development of teenagers, which is the largest of its kind in the United States, according to the New York Times.
The findings revealed that children who received smartphones before turning twelve were more susceptible to sleep problems and adverse mental health indicators. Furthermore, preliminary results suggested that children who did not own a smartphone before this age were less likely to exhibit these symptoms after a year compared to those who received devices at an earlier age.
Expert Recommendations
Dr. Ran Barzilay, the study's lead author and a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, stated, "When giving a smartphone to your child, it should be viewed as a significant health consideration and approached accordingly."
Professor Jacqueline Nesi from Brown University emphasized the importance of trusting one’s instincts regarding smartphone usage for children, noting that providing the device before the child and family are fully prepared can be risky, particularly due to unrestricted internet access.
Impact of Smartphones on Sleep
Most studies suggest that smartphones can hinder children from obtaining sufficient sleep. A 2023 study reported that 63% of children aged 11 to 12 had an electronic device in their bedroom, with 17% indicating they had woken up in the past week due to phone notifications.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California, recommended removing smartphones from bedrooms at night to mitigate these effects, even if children already own devices.
