Phones before puberty? Early screen time is damaging kids’ brains, warns study

They’re still learning to read, tie their shoelaces, and ride a bike — yet many children are already swiping through social media feeds, messaging friends, or watching videos late into the night. What once felt like harmless entertainment or a modern parenting tool is now raising alarm bells among mental health experts around the world.

A new global study has revealed that giving children smartphones before the age of 13 may carry lasting consequences for their mental health. The research, which analysed data from more than 100,000 young people worldwide, found that early access to smartphones is strongly linked with emotional detachment, low self-worth, increased aggression, and even suicidal thoughts by early adulthood.

“It’s not just about screen time,” says Dr Tara Thiagarajan, neuroscientist and founder of Sapien Labs, the group behind the study. “We’re seeing deeper behavioural changes that point to a fundamental shift in how young minds are developing.”

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The research pinpoints four key culprits. Here’s what’s causing the damage:

• Unfiltered exposure to social media: Often presenting unrealistic comparisons and harmful content

• Cyberbullying: Online abuse that’s hard to escape

• Disrupted sleep: From late-night scrolling to screen-induced insomnia

• Strained family relationships: As digital distractions replace quality time

Some children in the study had their own smartphones as young as five. And the younger they started, the worse their mental health scores were later on. On average, young adults who first owned a phone at 13 had moderate wellbeing scores. For those who had one at age five, the scores dropped drastically — from 30 to just 1.

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The findings are prompting calls for urgent action. Experts are urging governments and schools to:

• Introduce digital literacy and mental health education early
• Enforce existing age limits on social media use
• Gradually phase in smartphone access rather than giving children full control too young
• Hold tech companies accountable for protecting young users

While platforms like Instagram technically have a minimum age of 13, enforcement is weak, and many children are online daily, exposed to content far beyond their emotional understanding. Some countries, like France and Italy, have begun banning phones in schools. Others, including several US states, are now considering similar steps.

“This isn’t about blaming parents or banning technology,” Dr Thiagarajan says, adding, “It’s about realising that we’ve handed a very powerful tool to children without understanding the cost. If we don’t act now, we risk failing an entire generation.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.