Summary
A study led by the University of Pennsylvania found that 12-year-olds with smartphones are more likely to experience depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep. The research used data from a large study involving over 10,000 young people in the United States.
Key Facts
- Kids who have smartphones at age 12 are more prone to depression.
- These children also have higher chances of being obese.
- They are more likely to suffer from insufficient sleep compared to peers without smartphones.
- The study analyzed data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study between 2016 and 2022.
- Responses from 10,588 youths were included in the research.
- About half of American children get a smartphone by age 11.
- The study will appear in the journal Pediatrics.
- The findings suggest that smartphones pose unique challenges for children, requiring careful oversight by parents.
