Latest news with #TaraThiagarajan
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Smartphone users under age of 13 risk poor mental health when they are adults
Children who own a smartphone before they are aged 13 risk having poor mental health in early adulthood. Over 100,000 youngsters aged between 18 and 24, took part in a study, published Sunday in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities. The group were asked when they got a smartphone and a range of mental health symptoms, The experts found that those who had a smartphone before age 13 had worse mental health and reported suicidal thoughts, as well as aggression. As a result, experts at .Labs, which hosts the world's biggest database on mental health, have called for technology companies and parents to take "urgent" action and to roll out restrictions to stop under-13-year-old children from accessing smartphones. Tara Thiagarajan, one of the study's authors, told ABC News: "The younger the child gets a smartphone, the more exposure to all this impacts them psychologically and shapes the way they think and view the world. "Ideally, children should not have a smartphone until age 14, and when they do get a smartphone, parents should take the time to discuss with their children how to interact on the Internet and explain the consequences of doing various things. "The longer we can push off allowing our kids to be on social media, we are learning, the better. "I think lots of families are getting creative … landlines …. flip phones for kids [are] maybe an option so that they can have access to communicating without all the other things that come with smartphones."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
How smartphone use can lead to chronic poor mental health
Without smartphones today, we can't survive. Hurtful, but is true. From the time we wake up in the morning to sleeping at night, one thing that we are constantly caring for is our smartphones. Looks harmless, but is it? Numerous research and studies suggest that mobile phones can have prolonged effects on the mental and physical well-being of individuals. Despite that, we are hell-bent on using that dangerous device, not knowing its consequences on our mental health. We are now habitual of scrolling smartphones till night, watching reels, and youtube videos without thinking about their ill effects. Our phones rarely leave our sight and it's become second nature to check notifications on our phones, even if they are not important. Mounting evidence suggests something entirely shocking! Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2023), is a study by Khan et al., where they examined 655 adults between the ages of 18 and 59 to investigate the link between smartphone usage and psychological well-being. This study concluded that individuals with high to severe levels of smartphone use reported notably higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, of course, with poor sleep quality. How did they conduct the study Using the Mobile Phone Problem Use scale (MPPUS), the DASS-21 for depression, anxiety, and stress, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), smartphone usage was classified into three categories: Low, moderate-high, and High-severe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo And you would be shocked to know about 24.4% of the people fell into the high-severe category. This multi-tool approach provided a robust picture of how smartphone usage patterns correlate with both emotional and physical markers of well-being. The statistical analysis revealed a dose-dependent relationship, meaning the more problematic the smartphone use, the greater the psychological stress. Impact on sleep In this research, high smartphone usage was linked to sleep impairment. Participants reported difficulties falling asleep, more frequent nighttime awakenings, and poor sleep quality. Similar to this, another study published is titled ' Early smartphone ownership tied to long-term mental health decline .' Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs, said that, 'Our evidence suggests childhood smartphone ownership, an early gateway into AI-powered digital environments, is profoundly diminishing mind health and wellbeing in adulthood with deep consequences for individual agency and societal flourishing.' In their research, they analyze the patterns in young adults who received their first smartphone before the age of 13 and are more likely to experience poor mental health in early adulthood. They analyzed and collected data from over 100,000 individuals aged 18-24 years across 40 countries. The underlying factors The study identified several mediating influences contributing to this outcome Social media is about 40% Poor sleep about 12% Dysfunctional family relationships are about 13% Cyberbullying is about 10% These patterns were observed globally, regardless of their language, region or shared vulnerability. What can parents and stakeholders do in this Delay smartphone introduction until they demonstrate readiness. Support media literacy education in schools and communities Encourage offline social interaction and healthier sleep routines Tips to spend less time on your phone Turn off all notifications except calls or text Put screen time limits on your mobile phone Try and set a timer for 30 minutes daily, and in that span of time use social media applications and then log out after use Read a book about spending less time on your phone Spend more time with your family and friends to avoid using your phone too much. The idea is not to stop using mobile phones immediately, but in moderation. Excessive use of anything is bad for us, even our cell phones. With practice, right intentions, and maybe timers, you can create a healthier relationship with your phone. Remember, nothing is as important as your mental health.
Mint
5 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Mental health at risk! Phones for kids under 13 ‘shape the way they think,' warn experts
Smartphones are influencing how children under 13, especially girls, think and develop, and experts have warned that this early exposure could lead to poorer mental health outcomes later in life. One of the study's authors, Tara Thiagarajan, said that more exposure to smartphones impacts younger children psychologically and alters the way they think and perceive the world. 'The younger the child gets a smartphone, the more exposure to all this impacts them psychologically and shapes the way they think and view the world,' she told ABC News. The study, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, analysed self-reported questionnaire results from more than 1,00,000 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. It was based on questions about mental health symptoms, such as having aggression, feelings of detachment, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. The study revealed that those who were given smartphones at an earlier age were associated with worse mental health outcomes. The study found that owning smartphones early, before 13 years of age, was associated with feelings of lower self-image and lower self-worth in both girls and boys. It resulted in lower emotional resilience and confidence for girls, while the boys reported feeling less calm, less stable, and less empathetic. Nearly 48% of young women who had smartphones by age 5 or 6 reported experiencing severe suicidal thoughts—compared to 28% among those who got their first phone at 13 or later. Among young men, the figures were 31% for early phone users and 20% for those who got phones at 13 or older. Experts have attributed the differences between women's and men's mental health symptoms to social media usage. Other factors that impacted the mental health outcomes were cyberbullying, poor sleep and poor family relationships. To protect children's mental health, experts urge restrictions on smartphone and social media use for those under 13, alongside better digital education and greater corporate responsibility. 'Ideally, children should not have a smartphone until age 14, and when they do get a smartphone, parents should take the time to discuss with their children how to interact on the Internet and explain the consequences of doing various things,' Tara said. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, as cited by ABC News, families must follow the 5 C's of media use:
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Dangers of smartphone usage in kids below 13: Study reveals shocking details
Early exposure to social media comes with significant downsides. Without the maturity to process what they see or the filters to shield them from harmful content, children are vulnerable to mental health challenges and unhealthy body image issues. Also read | New research shows reducing screen time drastically improves your child's mental wellbeing in just 2 weeks Smartphone usage can affect children below the age of 13. (Shutterstock) In a new study published in Journal of Human Development and Capabilities on July 20, researchers analysed data from more than 100,000 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, to understand how social media usage can affect children below the age of 13. Findings of the study The questionnaires to the participants asked questions to understand the mental health outcomes of social media users. Mental health symptoms such as aggression, feelings of detachment, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts were tracked in the participants. Tara Thiagarajan, one of the study's authors, told ABC News, 'The younger the child gets a smartphone, the more exposure to all this impacts them psychologically and shapes the way they think and view the world.' Also read | Screen time and children: When to introduce it and how much is appropriate Smartphone use in kids can lead to suicidal thoughts.(Pexels) The study revealed shocking details The study authors observed a steep increase of suicidal thoughts in young women who were exposed to smartphone usage at an early age of 5 or 6. in young men, 31 percent of them reported having suicidal thoughts when exposed to smartphones at the age of 5 or 6. 20 percent of the male participants who started using smartphones at the age of 13 reported having severe suicidal thoughts. Restrict social media usage for children below 13 The study authors recommended parents to restrict social media and smartphone usage in kids below the age of 13. 'Ideally, children should not have a smartphone until age 14, and when they do get a smartphone, parents should take the time to discuss with their children how to interact on the Internet and explain the consequences of doing various things,' Tara Thiagarajan told ABC News. Also read | Toddler to teenager: Know how excessive screen time can slow children's growth and development Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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Business Standard
23-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Smartphones before 13? Study warns of long-term mental health issues
Children who start using smartphones before the age of 13 may be at a higher risk of developing mental health issues as young adults, says a new study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities. The study is based on analysis of data from the Global Mind Project, which has surveyed nearly two million people across 163 countries. What does the study say? Researchers from the Sapien Labs mapped the data on young adults using the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ), a self-assessment tool that measures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being, to generate an overall mental health score. The study revealed a striking pattern - the earlier a person received their first smartphone, the worse their mental health outcomes tended to be by early adulthood. A key finding shows that younger age groups have worse mental health than older ones, with 41 per cent of individuals in the 18–34 age group experiencing issues that seriously affect their daily lives Forty-eight per cent of females aged 18–24 who got a smartphone at age five or six report having suicidal thoughts. In comparison, only 28 per cent of females who got a smartphone at age 13 report the same. For males, 31 per cent who got a phone at age five or six report suicidal thoughts. This dropped to 20 per cent for those who got a phone at 13. Age of access to social media accounted for about 40 per cent of the overall association between age of smartphone ownership and mental health. The study also observed that in English-speaking countries, young adults got access to smartphones and social media earlier than those in Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East. On average, they received their first smartphone at age 11, compared to 14–16 in other regions. Mental health red flags The research found that early users are more likely to experience: Suicidal thoughts Low self-worth Social withdrawal Aggressive behaviour Children who began using smartphones at a young age were also more likely to feel disconnected from others and reported difficulty forming meaningful relationships. The data shows that getting a smartphone before age 13 often leads to earlier use of social media, despite age restrictions. This early access is linked to higher chances of cyberbullying, sexual abuse, weaker family bonds, and poor sleep. The experts also note that while the Covid-19 pandemic may have amplified this association, the consistency of these trends across global regions points to a broader developmental impact of early smartphone access. Why timing matters Experts believe that early adolescence is a sensitive period for brain development. Excessive screen time, especially on social media and messaging apps, may interfere with learning real-world social cues and coping mechanisms. Overstimulation, cyberbullying, and unrealistic social comparisons could all be contributing factors to the observed mental health issues. Dr Tara Thiagarajan, lead author of the study, warned that the earlier children are immersed in digital environments, the greater the risk of psychological disruption down the line. If more children keep getting smartphones and using social media at younger ages, the impact could be serious. Projections suggest that this trend alone may cause mental health issues in nearly one-third of the next generation. A call for digital boundaries The study says that limiting smartphone and social media use during childhood could have major benefits- It may reduce serious mental health issues in up to 8.5 per cent of young people. It could lower the rate of suicidal thoughts by up to 20 per cent. It may also improve emotional resilience and self-confidence in around 12 per cent of the younger population. Proposed policy measures- 1. Mandatory digital literacy and mental health education Introduce compulsory lessons in schools covering online safety, cyberbullying, algorithm awareness, and predator risks. This prepares children for responsible social media use and builds digital confidence. 2. Enforce age rules and hold tech companies accountable Ensure tech platforms follow age restrictions through better verification and penalties for violations. Like tobacco or alcohol regulations, corporate responsibility can reduce harm and ease pressure on parents. 3. Restrict social media for people under 13 Strictly enforce age 13+ rules on social platforms by blocking access on devices used by children. While verification and monitoring are challenges, this reinforces existing legal limits. 4. Limit smartphone access with safer alternatives Delay personal smartphone access and offer basic 'kid-friendly' phones without social media or addictive content to meet communication and learning needs without the risks. Enforcement may be difficult, but the long-term benefits are significant. What parents can do Parents and guardians play a key role in shaping digital habits. Here are some ways to protect young minds: Delay giving a smartphone until the teen years Encourage outdoor play and face-to-face social activities Set daily screen time limits Talk openly about online experiences and feelings Use parental controls and monitor app usage Experts recommend delaying smartphone access until ages 14 to 18, encouraging more face-to-face interactions, and promoting screen-free routines at home and in schools.
