Research published in the Journal of the Human Development and Capabilities found that giving children smartphones before age 13 could harm their mental health.
The study was based on self-reports from 2 million people across 163 countries. Kids who got smartphones before turning 13 showed significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts, emotional regulation problems, and lower self-worth. The younger the child received the smartphone, the lower their mental health was likely to be.
What the research found
The study, led by Tara Thiagarajan of nonprofit Sapien Labs, discovered that these children experienced more sleep disruptions, cyberbullying, and negative family relationships. Girls appeared particularly vulnerable to these effects.
“This calls for urgent action limiting access of children under 13 to smartphones as well as more nuanced regulation on the digital environment young people are exposed to,” Thiagarajan said.
What makes this research particularly compelling is its scope. Although the data was self-reported, the correlation is strong enough to give any parent pause.
Safe practical alternatives parents might consider
Reported by CNN, the study emphasizes that limiting access to smartphones under age 13 is not enough on its own. It suggests parents might consider basic phones for emergency use or smartwatches with GPS tracking and limited communication features as lower-risk alternatives.
It also highlights efforts like Wait Until 8th, a pledge campaign that encourages families to delay giving children smartphones until at least eighth grade. These collective actions can help reduce social pressure and create a more manageable environment for kids and caregivers.
Parents might also look for schools with strong smartphone policies or advocate for change within their current school communities. While broader societal solutions are still needed, these steps offer families practical ways to protect children’s mental health.
Course-correcting if your child already has a smartphone
If your child already has a smartphone and the research gives you pause, it is not too late to make changes. Clinical psychologist Melissa Greenberg, quoted in the CNN report, says parents can take meaningful steps even after the fact. That might mean setting stricter parental controls, removing certain apps, or switching to a more limited device.
She encourages parents to revisit earlier decisions when new information comes to light, and to be honest with their children about why changes are necessary. A direct conversation can help, especially when it acknowledges that the science has evolved and parents are making choices based on updated understanding of the risks.
Greenberg notes that pushback is normal — kids may react emotionally or resist new rules. But parents should not let that deter them from doing what they believe is healthiest for their family. Standing firm now, she says, may help prevent bigger challenges later.
Why waiting may be the right move
Smartphones are not just tools for communication. For children, they can shape mental health, emotional development, and how they see themselves. The research reported by CNN makes it clear that early access comes with real risks.
Choosing to wait until age 13 or beyond gives children time to build the resilience, boundaries, and self-understanding they need before stepping into a digital world. It also gives parents time to prepare and stay involved.
Some experts now recommend holding off on social media until age 16, especially during the sensitive years of puberty. This extra time can help protect mental health and reduce the risk of exposure to online pressures too early.
This is not about fear. It is about protecting childhood and creating space for healthier growth. Waiting might go against the trend, but it could be the most protective step you take.
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