A global study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, analyzing data from over 100,000 young adults aged 18–24, found that those who got smartphones before 13 reported significantly poorer mental health outcomes compared to peers who received them later .
◽️Symptoms linked to early smartphone ownership include emotional detachment, aggression, and low self-worth .
◽️Among females who received a phone at ages 5 or 6, 48% reported severe suicidal thoughts, versus 28% who got one at 13 or older. For males, the corresponding numbers were 31% vs. 20% .
◽️Other observed issues include diminished emotional resilience and confidence in girls, and reduced calmness, stability, and empathy in boys .
◽️Symptoms linked to early smartphone ownership include emotional detachment, aggression, and low self-worth .
◽️Among females who received a phone at ages 5 or 6, 48% reported severe suicidal thoughts, versus 28% who got one at 13 or older. For males, the corresponding numbers were 31% vs. 20% .
◽️Other observed issues include diminished emotional resilience and confidence in girls, and reduced calmness, stability, and empathy in boys .