In the News: Adolescents who get a smartphone before age 13 at risk for significant mental health challenges

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to feel pressure to hand your child a smartphone—whether it’s to stay in touch, keep up with friends, or simply avoid being the “only one” without one.

But new research suggests that giving kids smartphones before age 13 may come with serious mental health risks. From increased anxiety and depression to low self-esteem and even suicidal thoughts, the emotional impact can be profound—especially for girls.

As parents, understanding the potential consequences of early smartphone use is key to making informed choices that support your child’s long-term well-being.

Here are the major points of this July 2025 research article:

(full article linked here)

• Among 100,000+ participants (ages 18–24), each year younger they got a smartphone before age 13 correlated with more emotional struggles: low self‑worth, aggression, anxiety, disconnection, hallucinations, and even suicidal thoughts.
  

• Girls who received phones at ages 5–6 reported a 48% rate of severe suicidal thoughts, compared to 28% for those who got them at or after 13. Boys showed similarly alarming trend.
  

• Contributing factors included increased access to social media, cyberbullying, poor sleep, and weakened family relationships.

Advice for Parents

• Delay smartphones until at least age 14, ideally high school, and hold off on social media until later. We realize how challenging this can be! If not possible to delay, utilize limits and monitoring tools in order to reduce screen time. 

• Consider starter options like flip phones for basic communication.

• Create a family media plan—set clear rules, model healthy usage, and maintain ongoing conversations. Utilize the American Academy of Pediatrics tool to set goals and focus on priorities that matter to your family. 

• Stay alert to early warning signs—emotional outbursts, changes in mood, withdrawal—and reach out to your pediatrician if needed.

Remember: Adolescents who get a smartphone before age 13 are at risk for significant mental health challenges.

Giving your child a smartphone too early may risk their emotional development. Waiting, using simpler alternatives, and fostering healthier digital habits can help build resilience, self‑esteem, and stronger family bonds. For more strategies to support your family's health and wellbeing, follow @namiohealth on social media.