A new study is raising alarms about the long-term effects of giving children smartphones too early, revealing that kids who receive a smartphone before age 13 face significantly higher risks of serious mental health challenges in young adulthood.
According to the findings, early smartphone access is strongly associated with increased suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, poor body image, aggression, and decreased empathy among young adults ages 18 to 22.
Expert Weighs In
On CBS Mornings, psychologist Dr. Sheryl Ziegler explained the lasting impact of early smartphone exposure and shared guidance for parents navigating the difficult decision of when — and if — their children should have phones.
“The earlier that a kid got a smartphone, the worse their mental health outcomes were between the ages of 18 to 22,” Dr. Ziegler said. “So things like increased suicidal thoughts, poor body image, higher levels of depression, more anxiety, and with boys or males, more aggression and less empathy.”
She explained that the danger extends far beyond childhood challenges:
“It’s not just bad and hard in the moment, but for the long term — for the future — it impacts them. So we really need to be thinking about the choices we make around the age we give kids phones.”
How Parents Can Decide if Their Child Is Ready
Dr. Ziegler recommends parents approach the question with a “readiness checklist” that begins with self-reflection:
- Parental Readiness: “Am I ready as the parent? Am I ready to monitor the phone, to use control apps, and do I even know how to navigate half this stuff?”
- Child’s Responsibility: Parents should assess whether their child shows accountability by keeping up with chores, making their bed, and taking care of personal belongings.
- Safety Awareness: Finally, Ziegler says families must address safety upfront. Children should demonstrate they can follow rules, listen, and understand basics like not sharing personal information online.
A Growing Concern for Families
The findings add to a mounting body of research questioning the role of constant connectivity in young people’s lives.
With U.S. schools and lawmakers increasingly debating smartphone bans during school hours, the new data underscores the high stakes of parents’ decisions about digital access at home.
For now, experts stress that delaying smartphone use may protect kids from long-term harm, and when parents do decide the time is right, consistent monitoring and clear communication are key.
