Study Suggests Ideal Age for Children to Receive Smartphones is 12
December 1, 2025426 VuesTemps de lecture: 2 minutes
Taille de police
16
As smartphones 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 Pediatrics suggests that giving a smartphone to children before the age of 12 may elevate the risks of depression, obesity, and sleep disturbances compared to those who do not have one.
Study Details
Researchers analyzed data from over 10,500 children participating in a cognitive brain development study, which is the largest longitudinal study on child brain development in the United States to date, according to the New York Times.
The findings revealed that children who received smartphones before age 12 were more likely to experience sleep problems and negative mental health indicators. Secondary results indicated that children without phones prior to this age were less likely to exhibit these symptoms after one year compared to those who received devices at a younger age.
Expert Recommendations
Dr. Ran Barzilay, the lead author of the study and a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, stated:
"When giving a phone to your child, it should be regarded as a significant health decision and approached accordingly."
Professor Jacqueline Nesi from Brown University emphasized the importance of trusting one's instincts regarding smartphone use for children, noting that providing a device before the child and family are fully prepared can be risky, particularly with unrestricted internet access.
Impact of Phones on Sleep
Most studies indicate that smartphones can hinder children's ability to get adequate sleep. A 2023 study found that 63% of children aged 11 to 12 reported having an electronic device in their bedroom, while 17% indicated they had woken up due to phone notifications in the past week.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California, recommended keeping phones out of bedrooms at night to mitigate these effects, even if children already own devices.
Study Details
Researchers analyzed data from over 10,500 children participating in a cognitive brain development study, which is the largest longitudinal study on child brain development in the United States to date, according to the New York Times.
The findings revealed that children who received smartphones before age 12 were more likely to experience sleep problems and negative mental health indicators. Secondary results indicated that children without phones prior to this age were less likely to exhibit these symptoms after one year compared to those who received devices at a younger age.
Expert Recommendations
Dr. Ran Barzilay, the lead author of the study and a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, stated:
"When giving a phone to your child, it should be regarded as a significant health decision and approached accordingly."
Professor Jacqueline Nesi from Brown University emphasized the importance of trusting one's instincts regarding smartphone use for children, noting that providing a device before the child and family are fully prepared can be risky, particularly with unrestricted internet access.
Impact of Phones on Sleep
Most studies indicate that smartphones can hinder children's ability to get adequate sleep. A 2023 study found that 63% of children aged 11 to 12 reported having an electronic device in their bedroom, while 17% indicated they had woken up due to phone notifications in the past week.
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician at the University of California, recommended keeping phones out of bedrooms at night to mitigate these effects, even if children already own devices.
