Latest news with #JournaloftheHumanDevelopmentandCapabilities
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Study Says Kids Under 13 Shouldn't Have Smartphones—But What If They Already Do?
An extensive study looks at the risks of smartphone use for kids under age 13, and those risks are very real. Fact checked by Sarah ScottKey Points Over half of U.S. kids have a smartphone by age 11, but new research shows kids under 13 face greater risks to their mental health from early phone use. The study found links between early smartphone use and poor sleep, cyberbullying, and family strain, especially for girls. To protect your child, experts say to delay social media, use parental controls, and talk regularly about safe and healthy phone took an entire year for my now 12-year-old daughter to convince me to let her have a smartphone. I've witnessed far too many kids staring at screens instead of engaging with family, friends, and the world around them. Like many parents, I've also heard countless horror stories about social media messing with young people's mental health (It can be a challenge even for adults to navigate!). Now, a new study published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities says kids under age 13 who have smartphones suffer from poorer mental health. Researchers, who polled two million people in 163 countries, found a link between young teens possessing phones and being exposed to cyberbullying, having disrupted sleep, and experiencing poor family relationships. Based on their findings, researchers urge parents and policymakers alike to embrace developmentally-appropriate regulation of cell phone use in the same way alcohol and tobacco are restricted for young people. Yes, it's that serious, according to the study authors, who noted an association between smartphone use by kids under age 13 and suicidal thoughts, lower self-worth, and detachment from reality. These stomach-churning effects were worse among girls than boys. As troubling as this study is, the reality is that many kids younger than 13 already have phones. My daughter was the last of her friend group to get one. That anecdotal evidence tracks with data collected by Common Sense Media, finding that 53% of American kids have access to smartphones by age 11. What Parents Can Do If Their Kids Already Have Phones? So many kids under age 13 already have phones, and this study is unlikely to result in parents taking their devices away, no matter how upsetting the findings may be. But it's not too late, parents. There are things we can do to help our kids manage their phone use and engagement to best serve their overall well-being. First and foremost, experts agree that keeping kids as safe as possible in today's tech-focused world means enforcing age-appropriate parental restrictions and controls on their phones. 'Routinely monitor your child's activity, including apps, messages, and screen time,' urges Alisha Simpson-Watt, LCSW, BCBA, LBA, the founder of Collaborative ABA Services. She also suggests engaging in ongoing conversations about responsible phone use and what to do if something upsetting happens online. These practices are essential because, as Ariana Hoet, PhD, Executive Clinical Director at the Kids Mental Health Foundation, explains, 'Children's brains are still developing, so they are not able to set their own limits, fully process some of the information they consume, and have difficulty with emotion regulation.' Of course, for many parents, giving their child a phone offers peace of mind. 'Remind your child that safety is the main reason that they have a phone, which helps set the standard that other phone features are not essential and intended to be used in moderation,' adds Erica Kalkut, PhD, ABPP, Executive Clinical Director at LifeStance Health. What Is The 'Right' Age for a Phone? Experts agree there is not one 'right age' to let your child have a phone, and that every family is different. Dr. Kalkut says that when an individual is ready for a phone will depend on their cognitive, social, and emotional maturity. No matter when you decide to allow phone access, you'll want to ensure that you teach your child about digital literacy beforehand and model healthy limits for games, social media, texting, or taking photos. A few things to consider in making a choice about when to get a child a phone include: Would a work instead? Simpson-Watt says a watch or starter phone that does not feature full internet access may accomplish what you're looking for. Is your child responsible with their belongings? A kid who tends to lose or damage items may not be ready for a phone, according to Simpson-Watt. Whether you are ready to manage your child's screen time. Remember, this will be something that's added to your plate as well. Dr. Kalkut says parents have to be ready to dedicate the necessary time to monitor and educate their child on proper phone use. Whether your child respects your rules and boundaries. As Dr. Hoet cautions, 'If your child is constantly testing limits and breaking rules, it's likely they will not follow rules online either.' The Social Media Issue Just because you say 'yes' to a phone doesn't mean you are agreeing to allow your child access to social media. This is an important distinction I discussed with my daughter prior to giving her a phone. Monica Barreto, PhD, Clinical Director of Behavioral Health, FL Primary Care at Nemours Children's Health, recommends delaying social media for younger phone users. 'Many social media platforms are not recommended for kids under the age of 13. Even those over 13 may need parental guidance,' she tells Parents. Especially for girls, social media can be a landmine for their self-esteem. Not only do experts agree that girls tend to spend more time on social media, but Simpson-Watt notes that girls may be more likely to compare themselves to others, which can harm body image and self-esteem. 'They may feel stronger pressure to fit in socially, making them more vulnerable to cyberbullying, exclusion, and cliques,' she adds. Dr. Hoet agrees that social media amplifies messages girls are already receiving about how they should look and behave. 'Girls may also pay more attention and give more importance to the social interactions that occur online. They may use likes, comments, and followers as a way to measure their popularity and self-worth,' she says. Finally, as we already know, social media promotes unrealistic beauty standards, which can contribute to body dissatisfaction and anxiety, according to Dr. Barreto. The Last Word Dr. Barreto leaves parents with this advice about smartphones: 'Children under the age of 13 are still developing crucial cognitive and emotional skills, and early exposure to devices can disrupt their attention spans, hinder emotional regulation, and interfere with sleep patterns.' Experts agree that thoughtful consideration about cell phone use for kids is an imperative step in helping today's youth navigate our digital world—and this doesn't end when your child turns 13. 'Some children may still be at high risk at 13 years old,' Dr. Hoet reminds parents. 'Even after a child is over 13 years old, parents should continue to have conversations, check-ins, and monitor their use.' Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Euronews
22-07-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Smartphones lead to ‘suicidal thoughts' in children under 13, study
Children shouldn't have access to smartphones until the age of 13, according to a new global study. Those who used smartphones before they turned 13 were more likely to have suicidal thoughts, bad emotional regulation, lower self-worth, aggression, and detachment from reality, according to the study published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities. Girls were more impacted by smartphone use than boys, with 9.5 per cent of female respondents considered 'struggling' with their mental health compared to 7 per cent of males, irrespective of their country of origin, the research added. Kids under 13 were more likely to experience sleep disruptions, cyberbullying and negative family relationships, the study found. Restrict smartphones like alcohol, researchers say The study drew data from the self-reported mental health profiles of 100,000 young people between the ages of 18-24. The study was conducted by a team from the research non-profit Sapien Labs. The researchers generated an overall "mind health" score for each profile based on 47 social, emotional, cognitive, and physical functions. The mind health scores got worse the longer a child had access to a smartphone, the research continued. For example, the score of a child who received a phone at 13 dropped from 30 to just one for those who received a phone at five years old. The results were worse for the 18-20 year-olds than the 21-24 cohort in the responses, which could be due to prolonged screen exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study said. However, the results of smartphone use in under 13s are consistent despite the geographical and social differences that kids have. Lead author Tara Thiagarajan said she'd like to see smartphones restricted to those under 13 and regulated like alcohol and tobacco by government authorities. The move should be paired with restrictions on social media platforms as well as 'mandating digital literacy education and enforcing corporate accountability'. 'I was initially surprised by how strong the results are,' Thiagarajan said. 'However, when you give it due consideration, it does begin to make sense that the younger developing mind is more compromised by the online environment, given their vulnerability and lack of worldly experience'. What regulations are already in place against cellphones? Most of the bans so far against cellphones are happening in Europe's schools, with partial bans in French, Dutch, British, Italian, Hungarian, Spanish, Irish, Swedish, Belgian, Greek, Latvian, Luxembourgish and Finnish classrooms. Some of these countries, including France, the Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg and some Spanish regions, have complete school-wide bans on mobile phones so they cannot be used at any point during the day. Other European countries, such as Denmark, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and Portugal, are also considering further restrictions on cellphones. For social media, France's artificial intelligence (AI) minister also proposed a European-wide ban on the use of social media for those under 15 years old. Several EU laws, such as the Digital Service Act, the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, and the General Data Protection Regulation, include provisions to shield children from harmful content and protect their data. Last month, EU lawmakers voted to criminalise AI-generated child abuse images, online grooming, livestreaming, sextortion and the age of consent.
Egypt Independent
21-07-2025
- Health
- Egypt Independent
Don't give children under age 13 smartphones, new research says
Editor's note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Dial or text 988 or visit for free and confidential support. Parents should avoid preteens' use of smartphones and social media, according to new research. A study released Monday found that using smartphones before age 13 could damage kids' mental health. Smartphone use by children younger than 13 was associated with suicidal thoughts, worse emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality, especially among girls, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities. For every year before age 13 that a person acquired a smartphone, their mental health and well-being were likely to be lower, the study found. That's likely because the kids who used smartphones before turning 13 accessed social media more and experienced sleep disruptions, cyberbullying and negative family relationships, according to the study. The data is based on self-reports in a survey of nearly two million people in 163 countries. The results were so stark that the researchers called for global restrictions to prevent children younger than 13 from using smartphones and social media. 'This calls for urgent action limiting access of children under 13 to smartphones as well as more nuanced regulation on the digital environment young people are exposed to,' said lead study author Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs, the nonprofit that runs the survey. While previous research focused on how smartphone use is related to anxiety and depression, this survey looked at symptoms not commonly studied, including emotional regulation and self-worth, and found they are very significant, said Thiagarajan, who is based in Arlington, Virginia. The results were self-reported, which means they weren't independently verified by researchers. In addition, the study can't pinpoint what types of smartphone use drove the results and can't account for how they might change as technologies evolve, Thiagarajan said. Hold off on social media until 16 Still, this research certainly has me convinced it's a terrible idea to give kids smartphones before age 13. When I speak to parents in schools, parent groups and other community spaces, I suggest not letting kids use social media until age 16. Solid research out of the United Kingdom shows that using social media during puberty is associated with lower life-satisfaction a year later. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt also suggested waiting until age 16 to let kids use social media in his best-selling book 'The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.' While it may seem near impossible to hold off this long, it won't be if we talk to the parents of our kids' friends and collectively agree not to allow our children to use social apps until this age. In all of my talks across the country as an expert on how social media affects women and girls, I have yet to meet a single parent or guardian who has said they're excited for their kid to use social media. Instead, they worry their kids will be deprived of social opportunities if they're not on social media. That's why getting the parents of their friends involved is the key. The group Wait Until 8th has created a pledge parents can sign collectively promising not to let kids use smartphones until the end of eighth grade. Other groups have created similar pledges. 'Check to see if there is one in your community, and if not and it feels important to you, consider starting one,' said Melissa Greenberg, a clinical psychologist at Princeton Psychotherapy Center in New Jersey who was not involved in the study. 'Even if people aren't already talking about it, they may be relieved if you start the conversation.' In addition, 'parents could seek schools for their children with stronger policies around smartphones on campus' or push for better policies in their kids' schools, Thiagarajan said. But the researchers warned that parents can't solve these problems individually without societal solutions. After all, even if I don't allow my daughters to use social media before age 16 and convince their friends' parents to do the same, that won't stop them from being exposed to these apps by other kids on places like the school bus or after-school events. That's why parents 'could also be a more active voice in the debates on regulation,' Thiagarajan said. Check in with your kids If you have already let your child use a smartphone before age 13 or are just worried about the results, 'don't panic,' Greenberg said. 'If you are concerned but don't notice any of these symptoms in your child, you can still talk to them to let them know that some people struggle with anxiety, low self-worth and intense emotions,' she said. 'You can let them know that there is help available should they ever need it, and you can invite them to come to you if they are ever struggling or need support.' Parents can still make changes if their children already have smartphones, Kara Alaimo says. StockPlanets/E+/Getty Images If you do notice these symptoms in your child, find a licensed professional who can help, she said. It's OK to make changes What happens if your child already has a smartphone? 'You may feel stuck when you read things like this because you feel like you can't go back,' Greenberg said. That's not true. 'Don't be afraid to change course if you feel like what you've already done isn't working for your child or for your family,' she said. Parents can think about options such as using parental controls, switching to a flip phone, or deleting apps or features, Greenberg said. Of course, kids may not react pleasantly to such a change, but don't let that stop you from acting if you think it would benefit them, she said. Parents can use this script, Greenberg suggested: 'When we first gave you your smartphone, there were things we didn't know about how it might impact you. There are a lot of scientists and doctors who are doing research on the effects smartphones are having on kids, and we're learning a lot more than we knew before. We have to make some changes because we want to make sure that we're doing the healthiest thing for you.' If kids get upset, be sympathetic to their concerns, she said. 'Adults don't always respond in the most mature way when you take something away or ask them to change a habit, and we can't expect that our kids will either,' Greenberg said. She suggested parents talk about your own struggles to get your smartphone use right as a way of (literally) connecting and acknowledging that it's difficult for all of us to resist their pull. What can you do now that you know it could be quite dangerous to allow young kids to use smartphones? If your child doesn't yet have one, start talking to other parents in your community to collectively agree not to let your kids get them until they're older. Keeping our kids away from smartphones could be one of the smartest decisions parents make. EDITOR'S NOTE: Kara Alaimo is an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her book 'Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back' was published in 2024.
CNN
21-07-2025
- Health
- CNN
Don't give children under age 13 smartphones, new research says
Editor's note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Dial or text 988 or visit for free and confidential support. Parents should avoid preteens' use of smartphones and social media, according to new research. A study released Monday found that using smartphones before age 13 could damage kids' mental health. Smartphone use by children younger than 13 was associated with suicidal thoughts, worse emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality, especially among girls, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities. For every year before age 13 that a person acquired a smartphone, their mental health and well-being were likely to be lower, the study found. That's likely because the kids who used smartphones before turning 13 accessed social media more and experienced sleep disruptions, cyberbullying and negative family relationships, according to the study. The data is based on self-reports in a survey of nearly 2 million people in 163 countries. The results were so stark that the researchers called for global restrictions to prevent children younger than 13 from using smartphones and social media. 'This calls for urgent action limiting access of children under 13 to smartphones as well as more nuanced regulation on the digital environment young people are exposed to,' said lead study author Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs, the nonprofit that runs the survey. While previous research focused on how smartphone use is related to anxiety and depression, this survey looked at symptoms not commonly studied, including emotional regulation and self-worth, and found they are very significant, said Thiagarajan, who is based in Arlington, Virginia. The results were self-reported, which means they weren't independently verified by researchers. In addition, the study can't pinpoint what types of smartphone use drove the results and can't account for how they might change as technologies evolve, Thiagarajan said. Still, this research certainly has me convinced it's a terrible idea to give kids smartphones before age 13. When I speak to parents in schools, parent groups and other community spaces, I suggest not letting kids use social media until age 16. Solid research out of the United Kingdom shows that using social media during puberty is associated with lower life-satisfaction a year later. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt also suggested waiting until age 16 to let kids use social media in his best-selling book 'The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.' While it may seem near impossible to hold off this long, it won't be if we talk to the parents of our kids' friends and collectively agree not to allow our children to use social apps until this age. In all of my talks across the country as an expert on how social media affects women and girls, I have yet to meet a single parent or guardian who has said they're excited for their kid to use social media. Instead, they worry their kids will be deprived of social opportunities if they're not on social media. That's why getting the parents of their friends involved is the key. The group Wait Until 8th has created a pledge parents can sign collectively promising not to let kids use smartphones until the end of eighth grade. Other groups have created similar pledges. 'Check to see if there is one in your community, and if not and it feels important to you, consider starting one,' said Melissa Greenberg, a clinical psychologist at Princeton Psychotherapy Center in New Jersey who was not involved in the study. 'Even if people aren't already talking about it, they may be relieved if you start the conversation.' In addition, 'parents could seek schools for their children with stronger policies around smartphones on campus' or push for better policies in their kids' schools, Thiagarajan said. But the researchers warned that parents can't solve these problems individually without societal solutions. After all, even if I don't allow my daughters to use social media before age 16 and convince their friends' parents to do the same, that won't stop them from being exposed to these apps by other kids on places like the school bus or after-school events. That's why parents 'could also be a more active voice in the debates on regulation,' Thiagarajan said. If you have already let your child use a smartphone before age 13 or are just worried about the results, 'don't panic,' Greenberg said. 'If you are concerned but don't notice any of these symptoms in your child, you can still talk to them to let them know that some people struggle with anxiety, low self-worth and intense emotions,' she said. 'You can let them know that there is help available should they ever need it, and you can invite them to come to you if they are ever struggling or need support.' If you do notice these symptoms in your child, find a licensed professional who can help, she said. What happens if your child already has a smartphone? 'You may feel stuck when you read things like this because you feel like you can't go back,' Greenberg said. That's not true. 'Don't be afraid to change course if you feel like what you've already done isn't working for your child or for your family,' she said. Parents can think about options such as using parental controls, switching to a flip phone, or deleting apps or features, Greenberg said. Of course, kids may not react pleasantly to such a change, but don't let that stop you from acting if you think it would benefit them, she said. Parents can use this script, Greenberg suggested: 'When we first gave you your smartphone, there were things we didn't know about how it might impact you. There are a lot of scientists and doctors who are doing research on the effects smartphones are having on kids, and we're learning a lot more than we knew before. We have to make some changes because we want to make sure that we're doing the healthiest thing for you.' If kids get upset, be sympathetic to their concerns, she said. 'Adults don't always respond in the most mature way when you take something away or ask them to change a habit, and we can't expect that our kids will either,' Greenberg said. She suggested parents talk about your own struggles to get your smartphone use right as a way of (literally) connecting and acknowledging that it's difficult for all of us to resist their pull. What can you do now that you know it could be quite dangerous to allow young kids to use smartphones? If your child doesn't yet have one, start talking to other parents in your community to collectively agree not to let your kids get them until they're older. Keeping our kids away from smartphones could be one of the smartest decisions parents make. EDITOR'S NOTE: Kara Alaimo is an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her book 'Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back' was published in 2024.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Smartphones aren't safe for kids under 13. Here's why
Editor's note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Dial or text 988 or visit for free and confidential support. Parents should avoid preteens' use of smartphones and social media, according to new research. A study released Monday found that using smartphones before age 13 could damage kids' mental health. Smartphone use by children younger than 13 was associated with suicidal thoughts, worse emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality, especially among girls, according to the study, which was published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities. For every year before age 13 that a person acquired a smartphone, their mental health and well-being were likely to be lower, the study found. That's likely because the kids who used smartphones before turning 13 accessed social media more and experienced sleep disruptions, cyberbullying and negative family relationships, according to the study. The data is based on self-reports in a survey of nearly 2 million people in 163 countries. The results were so stark that the researchers called for global restrictions to prevent children younger than 13 from using smartphones and social media. 'This calls for urgent action limiting access of children under 13 to smartphones as well as more nuanced regulation on the digital environment young people are exposed to,' said lead study author Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs, the nonprofit that runs the survey. While previous research focused on how smartphone use is related to anxiety and depression, this survey looked at symptoms not commonly studied, including emotional regulation and self-worth, and found they are very significant, said Thiagarajan, who is based in Arlington, Virginia. The results were self-reported, which means they weren't independently verified by researchers. In addition, the study can't pinpoint what types of smartphone use drove the results and can't account for how they might change as technologies evolve, Thiagarajan said. Hold off on social media until 16 Still, this research certainly has me convinced it's a terrible idea to give kids smartphones before age 13. When I speak to parents in schools, parent groups and other community spaces, I suggest not letting kids use social media until age 16. Solid research out of the United Kingdom shows that using social media during puberty is associated with lower life-satisfaction a year later. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt also suggested waiting until age 16 to let kids use social media in his best-selling book 'The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness.' While it may seem near impossible to hold off this long, it won't be if we talk to the parents of our kids' friends and collectively agree not to allow our children to use social apps until this age. In all of my talks across the country as an expert on how social media affects women and girls, I have yet to meet a single parent or guardian who has said they're excited for their kid to use social media. Instead, they worry their kids will be deprived of social opportunities if they're not on social media. That's why getting the parents of their friends involved is the key. The group Wait Until 8th has created a pledge parents can sign collectively promising not to let kids use smartphones until the end of eighth grade. Other groups have created similar pledges. 'Check to see if there is one in your community, and if not and it feels important to you, consider starting one,' said Melissa Greenberg, a clinical psychologist at Princeton Psychotherapy Center in New Jersey who was not involved in the study. 'Even if people aren't already talking about it, they may be relieved if you start the conversation.' In addition, 'parents could seek schools for their children with stronger policies around smartphones on campus' or push for better policies in their kids' schools, Thiagarajan said. But the researchers warned that parents can't solve these problems individually without societal solutions. After all, even if I don't allow my daughters to use social media before age 16 and convince their friends' parents to do the same, that won't stop them from being exposed to these apps by other kids on places like the school bus or after-school events. That's why parents 'could also be a more active voice in the debates on regulation,' Thiagarajan said. Check in with your kids If you have already let your child use a smartphone before age 13 or are just worried about the results, 'don't panic,' Greenberg said. 'If you are concerned but don't notice any of these symptoms in your child, you can still talk to them to let them know that some people struggle with anxiety, low self-worth and intense emotions,' she said. 'You can let them know that there is help available should they ever need it, and you can invite them to come to you if they are ever struggling or need support.' If you do notice these symptoms in your child, find a licensed professional who can help, she said. It's OK to make changes What happens if your child already has a smartphone? 'You may feel stuck when you read things like this because you feel like you can't go back,' Greenberg said. That's not true. 'Don't be afraid to change course if you feel like what you've already done isn't working for your child or for your family,' she said. Parents can think about options such as using parental controls, switching to a flip phone, or deleting apps or features, Greenberg said. Of course, kids may not react pleasantly to such a change, but don't let that stop you from acting if you think it would benefit them, she said. Parents can use this script, Greenberg suggested: 'When we first gave you your smartphone, there were things we didn't know about how it might impact you. There are a lot of scientists and doctors who are doing research on the effects smartphones are having on kids, and we're learning a lot more than we knew before. We have to make some changes because we want to make sure that we're doing the healthiest thing for you.' If kids get upset, be sympathetic to their concerns, she said. 'Adults don't always respond in the most mature way when you take something away or ask them to change a habit, and we can't expect that our kids will either,' Greenberg said. She suggested parents talk about your own struggles to get your smartphone use right as a way of (literally) connecting and acknowledging that it's difficult for all of us to resist their pull. What can you do now that you know it could be quite dangerous to allow young kids to use smartphones? If your child doesn't yet have one, start talking to other parents in your community to collectively agree not to let your kids get them until they're older. Keeping our kids away from smartphones could be one of the smartest decisions parents make. EDITOR'S NOTE: Kara Alaimo is an associate professor of communication at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Her book 'Over the Influence: Why Social Media Is Toxic for Women and Girls — And How We Can Take It Back' was published in 2024. Solve the daily Crossword
