18/05/2023
Careful what you are giving to your child.
| Age At Which Children Own First Smartphone Can Impact Their Mental Health As Adults: Study
According to a recent study conducted by Sapien Labs published on May 15, children with older age of first ownership of a smartphone or tablet have improved mental health.
This study used global data from 27,969 people in the age range of 18–24 that was obtained between January and April 2023. The study showed that the younger age of smartphone ownership among current 18-24-year-olds is connected with significantly worse mental health outcomes, with women suffering the most.
According to the study, the percentage of women experiencing mental health issues reduced from 74% to 46% as the age of first ownership increased from 6 years to 18 years; for males, the ratio decreased from 42% at age 6 to 36% at age 18.
“The mental well-being of each younger generation has progressively declined. Simultaneously, the rapid adoption of smartphones during this period has changed the cognitive and social habits of users. The report examines the mental well-being of 18-24-year-olds in relation to the age at which they first got their own smartphone or tablet to determine the cumulative impact of growing up with smartphones,” said a paper based on the study.
“Using data from a sample of 27,969 18-24-year-olds obtained through the Global Mind Project, the study provides a comprehensive Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) spanning a wide range of symptoms and mental capabilities,” the paper on the study added.
The study also found that those who received their first phone at a younger age were more likely to have suicidal thoughts, emotions of aggressiveness towards others, and a sensation of being separated from reality.
“The results are consistent across regions, including South Asia, and thus apply to India as well. Problems with suicidal thoughts, feelings of aggression towards others, a sense of being detached from reality and hallucinations declined most steeply and significantly with older age of first smartphone ownership for females, and for males as well, but to a lesser degree." said the researchers as per reports.