Why Experts Urge Parents To Delay First Smartphone: New Research Shows Health Risks Of Giving Kids Smartphones Before 13

A major international study published in 2025 in the Sapien Labs / Journal of Human Development and Capabilities has found that people aged 18–24 who received their first smartphone at age 12 or younger

are far more likely to report serious mental‑health problems in early adulthood.

What did the research show?

Among young adults given smartphones before age 13, there was a higher prevalence of suicidal thoughts, feelings of detachment from reality, emotional instability, aggression, and low self‑worth. The younger the age at first smartphone, the worse the results. For instance, those who got a phone at age 5–6 often had significantly lower overall “Mind Health Quotient” (MHQ) scores than peers whose first phone came later. Mental‑health outcomes differed by gender: females more often reported lower emotional resilience, confidence, and self‑esteem, while males reported reduced calmness, empathy, and emotional stability.

Why early phone access may damage mental health

Early access almost always means early social‑media exposure, which significantly increases risks of cyberbullying, social comparison, disrupted sleep, and poor family relationships. These combined stresses can distort emotional development, self‑image, and the ability to regulate emotions and social behavior. The concern is widespread. The findings held across different regions, languages, and cultures, suggesting this isn’t just a local trend but a global issue.

What the study recommends

Because the data reflect a large global sample, the authors call for urgent preventive action rather than waiting for absolute proof of causation. Their proposals include:

• Delaying smartphone ownership for children, ideally until teenage years.
• Digital‑literacy education and mental health awareness in schools, to help young people understand risks and manage online pressures.
• Stricter enforcement of age requirements on social media platforms and accountability for companies that let children under‑age access harmful content.

What parents and educators can consider now

• Wait before handing a smartphone to a child, a basic phone or supervised shared device may serve communication needs without exposing them to risks.
• Encourage offline activities: face‑to‑face socializing, games, hobbies, and real‑world interaction can strengthen emotional resilience.
• Foster open conversations about social‑media use, mental health, online pressure, and privacy, giving kids tools and confidence to navigate the digital world consciously.

The new findings raise a serious red flag: in a world where digital access is seen as normal from a young age, giving smartphones to preteens may have lasting consequences beyond what we currently account for. Moving carefully, with awareness, boundaries, and education, could make a big difference for a generation’s emotional health.