Despite the numerous analyses and studies on the impact of screens and smartphones on children, it is enough to look around in shopping malls, restaurants, and elsewhere to witness children under the age of 12 carrying smartphones.
In this context, Ran Barzilay, a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania and a father of three, confirmed that he would not give his first two children phones before they reach the age of 12, especially after the preliminary results of his own study on screens and adolescent health emerged.
Sleep Problems: An analysis conducted by Barzilay of more than 10,500 children in 21 locations across the United States showed that youngsters who received phones at age 12, compared to age 13, were over 60% more likely to have sleep problems and over 40% more likely to suffer from obesity. Barzilay, a professor of psychiatry at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, emphasized that this cannot be ignored, as reported by “The Washington Post.”
Previous Studies: Several previous studies and analyses had warned of the risks of phones on adolescents’ mental health and concentration, as well as their impact on memory.
Suicidal Behavior: One prominent study, published in June in the journal JAMA, addressed addictive phone use among adolescents and its impact on suicidal behaviors. It noted that adolescents whose addictive use increased over time were two to three times more likely to experience suicidal ideation and behaviors compared to those whose use remained low.
Differences Within Risks: The study also found differences in the type of electronic activity and the associated risks. Children whose use of electronic games increased were more prone to internal mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, while those whose use of social media increased were more prone to external behaviors such as rule-breaking and aggression.
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