Smartphone ownership before the age of 13 may negatively impact a child's brain development and potentially induce early puberty, according to a pediatrician's caution.

In recent years, a growing body of research has highlighted the potential negative effects of extended screen time on children and adolescents. One study, published by researcher Jean Twenge, linked early smartphone ownership with increased risks of aggression, suicidal thoughts, and poor mental health in young adults.

The study found that children who received smartphones as young as five experienced worse mental health scores than those who first owned a phone at 13. This trend was consistent across various measures, with scores progressively declining, the younger the age of first ownership. Participants who got their first smartphone at age 5 scored just 1, while those who owned one at age 13 had an average score of 30.

Early smartphone usage may also lead to trouble in expressing emotions and forming emotional bonds among children who start using mobile phones from a very early age, especially before 12 or 13. Engaging in screen time of two or more hours a day before the age of 13 can pose many health challenges, including delays in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities.

The link between early smartphone ownership and an increased likelihood of reporting suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, poorer emotional regulation, and low self-worth among younger adults (age 18-24) has been established in another study. The study, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, also found a link between early smartphone ownership and potential hormonal alterations.

Exposure to blue light emitted by screens may potentially contribute to early onset of puberty, particularly in girls. A 2018 NIH study revealed that children with over seven hours of daily screen time exhibited thinning of the brain's cortex, which is connected to reasoning and language skills.

However, it's important to note that not all screen time is detrimental. Engaging in screen time for educational purposes or to connect with friends and family can be beneficial. To mitigate the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle associated with screen time, encouraging physical activity and in-person social interactions can help. Imaginative and creative play can foster cognitive development, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation, counteracting the cognitive delays associated with excessive screen time.

In conclusion, while smartphones and other digital devices offer many benefits, it's crucial to consider the potential risks, especially for children and adolescents. Promoting physical activity, imaginative play, and social interactions as alternatives to screen time can help ensure a balanced and healthy upbringing for our young generation.

(As a side note, experts are also warning about the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases among children, as highlighted during Children's Day 2024.)

Smartphone ownership before the age of 13 may negatively impact a child's brain development and potentially induce early puberty, according to a pediatrician's caution.