fazTimes media: A new international study is causing worry about children using smartphones too early in today's world, where almost every child carries a smartphone in their backpack like a schoolbook. The study shows that kids who get their first smartphone before they turn 13 could face more problems with their mental health as they grow up. Sapien Labs, a neuroscience group based in the US, conducted the study. The results show a troubling pattern of how starting to use smartphones at a young age can affect someone's life later on.

A Generation in Trouble

In some cases, the effects were so strong that regular mental health check-ups failed to detect the symptoms. Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, the lead author of the study and Chief Scientist at Sapien Labs, said, “Our data shows that owning a smartphone—and the social media it brings—can cause big changes in mental health and well-being during early adulthood.”

Al Jazeera reported that the study calls for new rules to limit how much children use smartphones.

Dr. Thiagarajan also noted that the symptoms seen were more than just regular anxiety or depression, which means we need better mental health tools that fit the digital world we live in.

Why Is Early Smartphone Use So Harmful?

Dr. Thiagarajan explained, “Children aren’t emotionally ready to confront the fast, often harmful online environment they’re being exposed to. Without proper education or protection, we're putting them at risk for serious mental health issues.”

The study also showed clear differences between boys and girls. Girls who got smartphones before age 13 were more likely to say they felt less about themselves, less confident, and less able to handle emotions. The lowest scores were from children who received a phone before they were 11 years old.

The report said, “Every year, a child gets a smartphone earlier; there is a clear drop in their mental health.” The mental health scores showed not just more sadness or worry, but also problems with doing everyday tasks, keeping relationships, and being able to work.

What Are Governments Doing About It?

Dr. Thiagarajan said, “Governments should think of smartphone use like using tobacco or alcohol—something that can be harmful if not used properly and not suitable for kids.” Some countries are already making changes.

According to BBC News:

France and Italy have stopped students from using mobile phones in schools. In the U.S., several states have passed laws that require schools to control how much students can use their smartphones.

What Can Parents Do?

For families worried about the findings, experts suggest some helpful actions:

Delay giving a child a smartphone until they are at least 13, and even better, wait until they are 15 or 16.
Set limits on how much time is spent on screens.
Be a positive example by setting your own rules for using smartphones.
Kids are more likely to follow when they see adults behaving responsibly online.
Parents are also advised to consider basic phones for younger kids.

These phones let them call and text without internet or social media apps.

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