Smartphones have dramatically changed the way children and young people communicate, learn, and develop their identities. However, new evidence suggests that receiving a smartphone before the age of 13 may carry significant risks to mental health, including suicidal thoughts, aggression, and overall wellbeing later in life.
A large-scale global study involving more than 100,000 participants, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, revealed that early smartphone ownership is associated with higher rates of suicidal thoughts, increased aggression, emotional instability, feelings of detachment from reality, and diminished self-worth among young adults. These findings raise urgent concerns for parents, educators, and policymakers worldwide.
Early Smartphone Ownership and Mental Health Risks
The research found that individuals aged 18–24 who first owned a smartphone at 12 or younger were more likely to report severe psychological symptoms, particularly suicidal thoughts, compared to those who received one later. For example, those who got their first smartphone at age 13 had an average mental health score of 30, while those who had a phone by age five averaged only 1.
Negative Outcomes Linked to Early Use
Key contributing factors included:
- Early exposure to social media – fueling harmful comparisons, exposure to inappropriate content, and cyberbullying that can increase suicidal thoughts.
- Disrupted sleep – late-night phone use interferes with brain development and may worsen emotional control.
- Strained family relationships – conflicts over phone use weaken bonds, leading to stress and suicidal thoughts in vulnerable teens.
- Reduced resilience and self-image – especially in girls, who showed lower self-worth and higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
Notably, the study emphasized that these symptoms go beyond depression and anxiety, extending to aggression, hallucinations, emotional detachment, and suicidal thoughts—often overlooked by traditional screening methods.
Expert Warnings and Calls for Action
According to lead researcher Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, founder of Sapien Labs:
“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, including higher risks of suicidal thoughts and aggression.”
She highlighted that while causation is not yet proven, the scale and consistency of these findings demand urgent intervention.
Four Key Policy Recommendations
Experts propose four urgent interventions to protect children’s mental health and reduce risks like suicidal thoughts:
- Mandatory digital literacy and mental health education in schools.
- Detection and enforcement against underage social media use, with penalties for non-compliant tech companies.
- Age-based restrictions on smartphone and social media access.
- Tiered regulations, modeled after alcohol and tobacco laws.
Several countries—including France, Italy, the Netherlands, and New Zealand—have already implemented school phone bans. In the U.S., New York recently introduced a statewide ban, joining other states in limiting smartphone access to improve student focus and reduce risks of suicidal thoughts linked to overuse.
Broader Implications for Youth Mental Health
The dangers of early smartphone use must also be seen within the wider youth mental health crisis, marked by rising anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. AI-driven social media algorithms worsen these challenges by promoting addictive behaviors, harmful comparisons, and exposure to disturbing content.
Dr. Thiagarajan concludes:
“Our evidence suggests that childhood smartphone ownership, an early gateway into AI-powered digital environments, is profoundly diminishing mind health and wellbeing in adulthood, fueling risks like aggression, detachment, and suicidal thoughts. While more research is needed, waiting for irrefutable proof risks missing the opportunity for prevention.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
1. What is the recommended age for children to get a smartphone?
Experts suggest delaying smartphone ownership until at least age 13 to lower risks of cyberbullying and suicidal thoughts.
2. How does early smartphone use affect mental health?
It has been linked to aggression, poor emotional control, sleep problems, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts in adulthood.
3. Are social media platforms safe for children under 13?
Most platforms ban under-13 users, but weak enforcement means many are exposed to harmful content and risks of suicidal thoughts.
4. Can restricting smartphone use in schools improve wellbeing?
Some studies suggest school phone bans improve focus and reduce distractions, potentially lowering stress and suicidal thoughts.
5. What can parents do to protect their child’s mental health?
Delay smartphone ownership, set screen-time limits, encourage offline activities, and maintain open communication to reduce risks like suicidal thoughts.
