Study Reveals Optimal Age for Children to Receive Smartphones
December 1, 2025424 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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As smartphones become increasingly integrated into daily life, parents often question the right age to introduce these devices to their children. A recent study published in the journal Pediatrics suggests that providing smartphones to children before the age of 12 could elevate the risks of depression, obesity, and sleep disturbances compared to those who have not yet received them.
Study Overview
Researchers examined data from over 10,500 children involved in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, recognized as the largest long-term investigation of children's brain development in the United States, as reported by The New York Times.
The findings revealed that children who received smartphones prior to turning 12 were more likely to face sleep issues and adverse mental health outcomes. Furthermore, children who did not own smartphones before this age exhibited fewer symptoms after a year compared to their peers who had received devices earlier.
Expert Insights
Dr. Ran Barzilay, the study's lead author and a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, remarked, "When you provide your child with a phone, consider it a significant decision impacting their health and act accordingly."
Professor Jacqueline Nesi from Brown University highlighted the importance of trusting parental instincts when deciding to give children smartphones, cautioning that premature access to devices can be risky, particularly with unrestricted online content.
Smartphones and Sleep
Numerous studies indicate that smartphones can hinder children's ability to obtain sufficient sleep. A 2023 study found that 63% of children aged 11 to 12 reported having an electronic device in their bedrooms, with 17% stating they had woken up due to phone notifications in the past week.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California, advised keeping smartphones out of bedrooms at night to help alleviate these issues, even for children who already possess devices.
Study Overview
Researchers examined data from over 10,500 children involved in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, recognized as the largest long-term investigation of children's brain development in the United States, as reported by The New York Times.
The findings revealed that children who received smartphones prior to turning 12 were more likely to face sleep issues and adverse mental health outcomes. Furthermore, children who did not own smartphones before this age exhibited fewer symptoms after a year compared to their peers who had received devices earlier.
Expert Insights
Dr. Ran Barzilay, the study's lead author and a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, remarked, "When you provide your child with a phone, consider it a significant decision impacting their health and act accordingly."
Professor Jacqueline Nesi from Brown University highlighted the importance of trusting parental instincts when deciding to give children smartphones, cautioning that premature access to devices can be risky, particularly with unrestricted online content.
Smartphones and Sleep
Numerous studies indicate that smartphones can hinder children's ability to obtain sufficient sleep. A 2023 study found that 63% of children aged 11 to 12 reported having an electronic device in their bedrooms, with 17% stating they had woken up due to phone notifications in the past week.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California, advised keeping smartphones out of bedrooms at night to help alleviate these issues, even for children who already possess devices.
