New Study Says Kids Under 13 Shouldn't Have Smartphones

New research has warned parents against giving smartphones to children under the age of 13, citing risks to their mental health, social development, and academic performance.

According to the study, early and unrestricted smartphone use is linked to higher levels of anxiety, sleep disruption, and reduced concentration in school. Researchers also found that children in this age group are more vulnerable to online bullying, exposure to harmful content, and unhealthy screen-time habits.

Experts recommend that parents delay smartphone ownership until at least age 13 and instead encourage alternative devices with limited functionality, such as basic phones or parental-controlled tablets. They also advise setting clear rules around screen time, promoting outdoor activities, and fostering in-person social interactions.

The findings add to growing global concerns about the long-term effects of digital dependence among young people. Education and child development advocates are urging parents, schools, and policymakers to work together to create healthier technology habits for children.

Key Findings from Research

1. Global Study on Children Under 13

• Based on data from two million people across 163 countries, researchers found strong associations between smartphone use by kids under age 13 and adverse outcomes such as cyberbullying, sleep disruption, lower self-worth, and even suicidal thoughts—especially pronounced in girls.

• Alarmingly, more than half of American children already have access to smartphones by age 11.

2. Screen Time ≥4 Hours Linked to Mental Health Risks

• A U.S. study involving 50,231 children and adolescents (ages 6–17) showed that daily screen time of 4 hours or more is associated with significantly increased risks of:

  • Anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.45)

  • Depression (aOR = 1.65)

  • Behavior/conduct problems (aOR = 1.17)

  • ADHD (aOR = 1.21)

• Reduced physical activity, irregular bedtimes, and shorter sleep partially.

3. Problematic Smartphone Usage (PSU) Among Youth

• A systematic review from King’s College London revealed that between 10% and 30% of children and young people display “problematic smartphone usage”, meaning behaviors consistent with addiction (e.g., anxiety when without the phone, neglecting other activities). The average was around 23%.
• PSU was linked to stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and depressed mood.

4. Smartphone Use Disrupts Sleep in Young Children (Ages 5–8)

• In a cohort study (ages 5–8), average smartphone use was 1.46 hours per day, which is 1.5 times the recommended limit.

  • 21.2% of children used smartphones more than 1 hour per day for over 5 days a week.

• Smartphone overuse correlated with:

  • Reduced total sleep time (TST)

  • Longer time to fall asleep

  • More frequent nighttime awakenings

  • Higher sleep disturbance scores on the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire

5. Late-Night Mobile Use and Mental Health (Adolescents)

• Among adolescents in Japan, those using mobile phones after lights out nearly every day had significantly higher odds of:

  • Poor mental health (OR ~1.54–1.65)

  • Suicidal feelings, and self-harm behaviors (ORs ranging from ~1.56 to 1.75)

Summary Table

What It Means for Parents and Educators

• Problematic usage behaviors affect nearly one in four young individuals, contributing to stress, anxiety, sleep disruption, and depressive symptoms.
• Excessive screen time—especially 4 hours or more daily—is clearly linked with negative emotional and behavioral outcomes.
• Even moderate use that disrupts sleep or extends into nighttime can affect mental health and self-regulation.
• These findings reinforce recommendations that smartphones should generally be delayed for children under age 13, unless under strict supervision and limits.