Early Smartphone Use Linked to Health Risks

Children who own smartphones before age 12 face higher risks of mental health issues and physical health challenges, according to new research that adds to growing evidence linking early technology exposure with broader concerns about adolescent well-being and social connection. The findings, released in Pediatrics, coincide with rising global attention to youth mental health, expanding use of AI in education and care systems, and new policy actions responding to loneliness, obesity, and digital dependence.

Researchers from Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, the University of California at Berkeley, and Columbia University analyzed data from more than 10,000 participants in the NIH-funded Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. The team found that children who received smartphones at age 12 or younger were more likely to experience depression, insufficient sleep, and obesity one year later than peers without phones. 

“We did not even look at what the kids did on the phone,” says Ran Barzilay, Lead Author and Child Psychiatrist, Children’s Hospital Philadelphia. “We basically asked one simple question: does the mere factor of having one’s own smartphone at this age range have anything to do with health outcomes?”

The study focuses on a period of rapid technological change that experts say is reshaping childhood, learning, and emotional development. Jonathan Haidt, Social Psychologist, New York University, has described a shift between 2010 and 2015 from “game-based” to “phone-based” childhood, which he argues coincided with significant increases in adolescent depression, anxiety, and self-harm. Public health authorities have also raised alarms. In a 2023 advisory, Vivek Murthy, Former US Surgeon General, urged families to create “tech-free zones” to protect sleep and interpersonal relationships, while several US states moved to restrict smartphone use in schools.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that loneliness affects one in six people worldwide, with more than 871,000 deaths annually linked to social isolation. The health and economic consequences, including heightened risks of heart disease, depression, lower educational performance, and reduced income, have led WHO to call loneliness a defining public health challenge. Adolescents are among the most vulnerable groups, with up to 21% reporting loneliness. WHO warns that high screen time and negative online interactions may erode meaningful relationships, especially for young people who already face pressures related to performance, safety, and digital engagement.

These concerns are emerging in parallel with the rapid adoption of AI among teens and educational institutions. Pew Research Center data show that 46% of teens are online “almost constantly,” and by 2024, one in four used AI tools such as ChatGPT for schoolwork, double the share from the previous year. Educators have responded with mixed strategies, ranging from handwritten exams to institutional partnerships with AI developers. 

Journalists and researchers note that while AI can improve productivity and expand learning tools, it may also contribute to detachment from academic work and reduce opportunities for in-person interaction. Some institutions report increasing concern about student “disassociation” from assignments when AI completes substantial portions of writing or analysis. Others argue that digital-first behaviors may widen gaps in foundational skills, prompting universities to re-evaluate learning objectives and assessment methods.

At the same time, AI is driving new models for mental healthcare access in Latin America and elsewhere. Companies such as Mindsurf and Yana are developing AI-enhanced platforms that conduct emotional risk assessments, deliver cognitive-behavioral support, and connect high-risk users with professional therapists. “AI enables scalable, data-driven mental health solutions that reach diverse communities while maintaining clinical standards,” says Grecia Ávalos, Co-Founder and CEO, Mindsurf. Andrea Campos, Founder, Yana, says that AI should complement, not replace, human care.

Developers and clinicians, however, warn of ethical challenges, including data security, algorithmic bias, and the need for ongoing human oversight. Researchers stress that compliance with regulatory standards and continuous evaluation of AI systems are essential to ensure safe use, particularly among minors.

Across these developments, experts argue that the health and social landscape for children and adolescents is being reshaped by technology faster than systems can adapt. Barzilay notes that smartphones can support safety and connections but advises parents to monitor use and protect sleep. WHO leaders argue that reversing trends in loneliness and obesity will require multifaceted strategies involving families, schools, healthcare systems, and policymakers. Analysts studying AI’s influence on education and mental health stress the need for balanced guidance that empowers young people without exposing them to undue risk.

As smartphone ownership among children continues to rise — nearly 30% of kids aged eight to 10 had a device in 2024 — stakeholders across sectors face pressure to align technological innovation with long-term well-being. The growing body of research suggests that decisions made today about digital access, AI adoption, and health interventions will play a central role in shaping the next generation’s physical, emotional, and academic outcomes.