Global Research Finds Early Smartphone Use Linked to Poorer Mental Health in Young Adults

A comprehensive international study involving over 100,000 youth has revealed significant associations between owning a smartphone before age 13 and adverse mental health outcomes in early adulthood. The research, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, indicates that individuals who received their first smartphone at age 12 or younger are more prone to experiencing suicidal thoughts, increased aggression, feelings of detachment from reality, emotional regulation difficulties, and diminished self-esteem.

The study emphasizes that these negative effects are largely mediated by early access to social media, which correlates with heightened risks of cyberbullying, sleep disruptions, and weakened family relationships, all contributing to poorer mental health among young adults. The research team from Sapien Labs, which maintains the largest global database on mental well-being, used the Mind Health Quotient (MHQ)—a self-evaluation tool measuring social, emotional, cognitive, and physical health—to analyze the data.

Results demonstrated that early smartphone ownership is associated with lower MHQ scores, with the youngest age group (owning a smartphone at age five) having an average score of just 1, compared to 30 for those who first owned a smartphone at age 13. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals experiencing multiple severe symptoms increased by nearly 10% among females and 7% among males with earlier first smartphone use. Symptoms such as poor self-image, low confidence, and emotional resilience were notably more prevalent.

The findings also reveal that approximately 40% of the link between early smartphone access and later mental health deterioration is explained by early exposure to social media. Other contributing factors include cyberbullying (10%), disrupted sleep (12%), and strained family dynamics (13%). The persistence of these patterns across diverse regions suggests a substantial developmental impact.

While the study does not establish direct causation, the authors argue that the scale of observed harms warrants precautionary measures. They recommend policies such as restricting smartphone use for children under 13, enhancing digital literacy education, enforcing accountability among tech companies, and limiting access to social media platforms for young children.

Lead researcher Dr. Tara Thiagarajan emphasizes that the vulnerabilities of young minds are exacerbated by the online environment, leading to serious societal consequences. She advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach involving regulators, educators, parents, and industry players to protect mental health during critical developmental periods.

As the global landscape of digital access continues to evolve, especially with many countries relaxing regulations on mobile phone use in schools, this research highlights the urgent need for balanced policies that prioritize children's mental well-being. Ongoing debate concerns how to effectively regulate early smartphone exposure while supporting healthy digital development.

This study underscores the importance of early preventive strategies and suggests that societal awareness and policy interventions could mitigate long-term mental health risks associated with smartphone and social media use in childhood.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-global-links-early-smartphone-ownership.html