Global Study Reveals Smartphone Ownership Linked to Poorer Mental Health

A new global study has established a concerning link between early smartphone ownership and diminished mental health among young adults. The research, involving over 100,000 participants, indicates that individuals who received their first smartphone before the age of 13 are more likely to experience mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts and aggression, as they enter early adulthood. The findings were published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities on March 15, 2025.

The study, conducted by a team from Sapien Labs, highlights that young adults aged 18 to 24 who owned smartphones at age 12 or younger reported significant issues with emotional regulation, detachment from reality, and low self-worth. These adverse effects are largely linked to early access to social media, which can lead to increased risks of cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and strained family relationships.

Urgent Call for Policy Changes

Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, the lead author and Chief Scientist of Sapien Labs, emphasized the urgency of these findings. She stated, “Our data indicates that early smartphone ownership—and the social media access it often brings—is linked with a profound shift in mental health and well-being in early adulthood.” Dr. Thiagarajan noted that traditional mental health screening methods may overlook the symptoms associated with early smartphone use, which can include aggression and suicidal thoughts.

The research reveals that early social media access accounts for approximately 40% of the connection between smartphone ownership in childhood and later mental health issues. Other significant contributors include poor family dynamics at 13%, cyberbullying at 10%, and disrupted sleep at 12%. While the study acknowledges the potential exacerbating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the consistent patterns across various global regions suggest a broader developmental impact of early smartphone access.

In light of these findings, the researchers advocate for a precautionary approach similar to regulations governing alcohol and tobacco. Dr. Thiagarajan urged policymakers to consider restricting smartphone access for children under 13, mandating digital literacy education, and enforcing corporate accountability among technology companies.

International Reactions and Current Trends

The implications of smartphone use among youth have led several countries to implement restrictions in educational settings. Nations such as France, the Netherlands, Italy, and New Zealand have instituted bans or limitations on cell phone use in schools. In the United States, New York recently announced it would be the largest state to ban smartphones in schools, joining others like Alabama and Arkansas that have passed similar legislation.

Despite these measures, the average age of first smartphone ownership continues to decline, and many children are spending several hours a day on their devices. Previous studies have shown mixed results concerning the impact of screen time and social media on mental health, complicating the ability of families and educators to navigate this issue effectively.

Dr. Thiagarajan concluded by highlighting the broader implications of smartphone ownership on societal well-being, stating, “Our evidence suggests that childhood smartphone ownership, an early gateway into AI-powered digital environments, is profoundly diminishing mental health and well-being in adulthood.” She pointed out that while smartphones and social media significantly contribute to mental health challenges, they are not the sole factors affecting the well-being of younger generations.

As the debate continues, the authors of the study stress the necessity for further research to elucidate the causal mechanisms at play. They argue that the potential harm posed by early smartphone ownership is too significant to overlook, underscoring the need for timely, preventative action to safeguard future generations.