A massive global study has raised a red flag: kids who get smartphones before age 13 may face lasting mental health struggles. The research, involving over 100,000 young people, found that early phone ownership is linked to suicidal thoughts, aggression, emotional detachment, and low self-worth later in life. “Our data indicate that early smartphone ownership—and the social media access it often brings—is linked with a profound shift in mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood,” says neuroscientist Dr Tara Thiagarajan.
The study points to social media, cyberbullying, poor sleep, and strained family relationships as major culprits. Mental health scores dropped sharply the younger a child got their first phone. Girls showed reduced self-worth and resilience; boys struggled with empathy and emotional stability.
Experts are urging governments to act — calling for digital literacy education, stricter age enforcement, and limits on smartphone access for kids. “We urge policymakers to adopt a precautionary approach, similar to regulations on alcohol and tobacco,” Dr Thiagarajan adds.
The message is clear: while smartphones connect us, giving them too early may disconnect children from their own wellbeing — with consequences that echo into adulthood.
