A major new international study has found that owning a smartphone before the age of 13 is strongly linked to poorer mental health and wellbeing in early adulthood. Drawing on data from more than 100,000 young people across countries and cultures, researchers have issued urgent warnings about widespread early smartphone adoption and its lasting impact on young generations.
The research, recently published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, discovered that individuals aged 18 to 24 who received their first smartphone at age 12 or younger were much more likely to struggle with suicidal thoughts, increased aggression, detachment from reality, and difficulties regulating emotions. Females in this group, in particular, reported diminished self-esteem, confidence, and emotional resilience, while males faced lower stability and empathy. The risks spanned global regions, making this a universal issue.
Lead author Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, neuroscientist and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, stressed, “Early smartphone ownership—and the easy social media access that comes with it—is tied to a profound shift in mind health and wellbeing.” The study highlights how younger children’s exposure to social media can lead to higher rates of cyberbullying, poor sleep habits, and strained family relationships—factors that further exacerbate mental health challenges as these children reach adulthood.
Statistical analysis revealed that the younger the first use, the worse the outcome. Young adults who received a smartphone at age 13 averaged a Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) score of 30, while those with access at age five scored just 1.
Further, the percentage of distressed or struggling young adults rose by 9.5% for females and 7% for males with early phone use.The researchers recommend that parents, schools, and policymakers take a “precautionary approach,” similar to how society regulates alcohol and tobacco for minors. They urge delaying smartphone access for children, mandating digital literacy education, and demanding greater accountability from tech and social media companies to safeguard youth wellbeing.
Reference Study:Read the full ScienceDaily summary and original research:Experts warn: Smartphones before 13 could harm mental health
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