New Study Links Cellphone Use in Children to Obesity and Depression

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics highlights concerning links between cellphone use in children and adverse health outcomes, including obesity and depression. The research involved 10,588 participants from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, known as the ABCD Study, which is the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States.

Lead author Dr. Ran Barzilay, a psychiatrist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, emphasizes that children who received their first smartphone by age 12 are at higher risk for poor health outcomes such as depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep.

The study indicated that each additional year of cellphone ownership prior to age 13 increases the likelihood of experiencing these negative health effects. It was noted that even children who received a smartphone at age 13 reported poorer mental health and sleep quality than those who did not have a smartphone at that age.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, 95% of teens aged 13 to 17 own a smartphone, alongside nearly 60% of 11 to 12-year-olds, and about one-third of children aged 8 to 10. Dr. Barzilay advises parents to carefully consider the timing of introducing smartphones to their children, as developmental differences between ages 12 and 16 are significant.

The report does not claim direct causation but highlights a correlation between early cellphone use and negative health outcomes. Dr. Jenny Radesky, an assistant professor in developmental behavioral pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School, suggests that parents familiarize themselves with digital wellness tools available on smartphones, such as parental controls and timers, to ensure safe media use.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents engage in open discussions about family rules and expectations regarding phone usage, including social media access. For those uncertain about their child's readiness for a phone, the AAP provides a phone readiness quiz to aid in decision-making.

Dr. Barzilay emphasizes that the goal of the study is not to discourage cellphone ownership but to encourage thoughtful consideration of the potential impacts on children's health. Smartphones can also enhance social connections and learning opportunities, suggesting that the benefits and risks should be weighed carefully by parents.