Access to smartphones before the age of 12 may increase the risk of developing emotional problems in the future. This is the conclusion reached by scientists at the American research organization Sapien Labs. The results of their work have been published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities (JHDC).

As part of the Global Mind Project, experts analyzed data on the mental health of more than 100,000 people from different countries aged 18 to 24. Participants were asked when they first started using a smartphone and how much time they spent in front of the screen.

It turned out that those who received their first gadget before the age of 12 were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, aggression, low self-esteem, emotional instability, and a sense of disconnection from reality. This link was particularly pronounced among girls, who showed a decrease in self-confidence and stress resilience.

According to the scientists, about 40% of the negative effects on mental health are caused by cyberbullying (online bullying), sleep disorders, and tense family relationships. These risk factors were more common among children who had early access to social media.

The researchers emphasize that the younger the age at which a child gets their first smartphone, the higher the risk of mental health problems in adulthood. The scale of the potential harm, in their opinion, requires precautionary measures, ranging from school programs on digital literacy to age restrictions and phased access to gadgets.