Research on the Link Between Early Smartphone Use and Health Risks in Children

What happens when kids get smartphones too early? A study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics examined 12-year-olds to understand how owning a smartphone relates to depression, obesity, and sleep.

Researchers found that those who owned smartphones were more likely to experience depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep compared with peers who did not own one.

Even kids who did not have a smartphone at age 12 showed changes later. Those who got a smartphone within the next year were more likely to have mental health struggles and ongoing sleep problems. These results stayed the same even when researchers looked at different factors.

These findings show why it’s important for parents and caregivers to set healthy limits around smartphone use.

Understanding the Research

Researchers studied 10,588 children who took part in a large, long-term project called the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study).

This study follows kids over time to understand biological, environmental, and social factors and how these influence brain development and health.

Parents or caregivers reported whether their child owned a smartphone and how old the child was when they got their first phone. Researchers then looked at how smartphone ownership was linked to three health concerns at age 12:

• Depression
• Obesity
• Not getting enough sleep

Among children who did not have a smartphone at age 12, the researchers checked back one year later. They compared kids who got a smartphone during that year with kids who still did not have one.

To keep the results fair, the researchers also examined factors that can affect a child’s health. These included family background, family income, changes during puberty, use of other devices, and how closely parents monitored their child’s phone use.

These were the key findings:

• Smartphone ownership at age 12 was linked to a 1.3 times higher risk of depression, a 1.4 times higher risk of obesity, and a 1.6 times higher risk of not getting enough sleep.
• For every year earlier a child received a smartphone, their risk of health problems increased by about 10%. (The highest risks are seen in children who got smartphones at very young ages.)
• Surprisingly, children who got a smartphone between the ages of 12 and 13 showed more mental health concerns and ongoing sleep problems.
• The findings did not change after taking into account family factors, development during puberty, and parental monitoring.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

The study offers an important reminder that children’s mental and physical health deserves extra attention as technology becomes a bigger part of their lives. Parents and caregivers don’t need to make drastic changes overnight.

We can take small, realistic steps each day to support healthier smartphone habits:

Delay smartphone ownership

Many parents feel pressured to give their child a smartphone because “everyone else has one.” That pressure is real, but it’s okay to slow down.

Experts recommend waiting until at least the 8th grade to give a child a smartphone. When talking with your child, explain this decision in a way that fits their age.

Younger kids don’t need a smartphone to talk to friends, learn new things, or have fun. They can still connect through playdates, school activities, and shared hobbies.

As kids get older, open conversations about responsibility, online safety, and mental health can help them understand why waiting can be beneficial.

Start with simpler devices if safety is the main concern

If your child needs a way to communicate, consider a basic phone or smartwatch that allows calling and texting without apps, social media, or late-night scrolling.

Make sure to use parental controls to manage contacts, set screen limits, and keep the device safe, while still giving your child the ability to reach you or friends when needed.

Set a good example

If they see you constantly glued to your phone, they may think that’s normal behavior. Show them healthy habits by putting your phone away during meals, family time, or before bed.

Use your phone in ways you want your child to imitate (like reading, learning, or connecting with friends) rather than scrolling endlessly. Your example helps them understand that phones are simply tools.

Encourage offline activities every day

Sports, creative hobbies, family time, and free play reduce children’s reliance on screens to entertain themselves and connect with others. These offline activities support healthy development.

Here are some ideas for creative outlets for your child. Also, when discussing the benefits of physical activity, you may use this handout as a reference.

Lead author Dr. Ran Barzilay also mentions that while smartphones can be useful, parents should also set rules, such as keeping phones out of bedrooms.

Check out our mental health resources, including our Healthy Habits Posters and worksheets to support self-expression and emotional regulation for young people.