Preteen smartphone use linked to depression, obesity, lack of sleep
1 of 2 | Children who have regular access to smartphones before they are teenagers are more likely to suffer from depression, obesity and lack of sleep, according to a new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Photo by 46173/Pixabay link back to: https://pixabay.com/photos/boy-mobile-phone-addiction-phone-3360415/
A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics finds preteens who own smartphones and use them regularly are at greater risk of depression, obesity and insufficient sleep.
The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, to be published in the January edition of the journal Pediatrics, looked at more than 10,000 early adolescents. Researchers compared those who received a smartphone before they were 12 years old and those who received their first phone later, as teenagers.
For those who received smartphones as children or preteens, 31% were at greater odds than their peers to suffer from depression. They were also 40% more likely to struggle with obesity and 62% more likely to lack sleep.
“Given our findings, it is evident that a concrete framework is needed to advise on childhood and early adolescent smartphone ownership to support the healthier development of youth,” according to researchers.
The study’s initial findings were released one day before lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce Committee are scheduled to examine 19 bills that would protect kids’ safety and privacy online. Among those being discussed Tuesday is the Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA, which passed the Senate last year but failed in the House.
Outcomes in the journal Pediatrics study showed better results when preteens, who had access to smartphones, were also subject to parental supervision and limits as to how often and when they could go online.
The study found that while early smartphone ownership is associated with higher rates of depression, obesity and lack of sleep, there are also “critical and timely insights that should inform caregivers regarding adolescent smartphone use and, ideally, the development of public policy that protects youth.”
“This is particularly true because there may be various adverse consequences and challenges for certain youths who do not own smartphones, which underscores the need to protect these youths who require smartphones and support families as they embark on this rite of passage.”