Delayed smartphone use linked to improved mental health outcomes
Sapien Labs, a non-profit organisation, has presented the results of its research on the impact of the age at which we receive our first smartphone on mental health. The findings clearly indicate that the later we acquire this device, the better it affects our well-being.
Sapien Labs, based in the USA, focuses on research into the global diversity of the brain and mind. The organisation aims to understand how life experiences, brain physiology, mental health, and cognitive abilities influence one another.
Surprising research results
The global analysis included a group of 27,969 adults. A solid connection was established between the age at which an individual received their first smartphone or tablet and their mental health in young adulthood. Various factors were considered, including self-esteem and the ability to build positive social relationships.
When the age at which the study participants received their first smartphone was increased from 6 to 18 years, the proportion of women with mental health issues decreased from 74% to 46%. Similarly, among men, this rate dropped from 42% at age 6 to 36% at age 18.
Young people who received a phone earlier often experienced suicidal thoughts, displayed aggression, or felt disconnected from reality. These issues were more pronounced in women than in men and were consistent across all analysed regions, including the USA, Western Europe, Latin America, South Asia, and Africa.
How do smartphones endanger young children?
The data collected suggests that giving a child a smartphone or tablet early can lead to long-term mental health problems. Parents, educators, and policymakers should take heed.
These findings suggest that there are long term improvements in mental wellbeing for each year of delay in getting a smartphone during childhood – noted Tara Thiagarajan, lead scientist.
It is important that we continue to study these relationships and develop effective policies and interventions that could support healthy mental development in the digital age to prevent the observed negative trends.
This study is part of the Global Mind Project, an extensive research initiative on mental health worldwide conducted by Sapien Labs. More information can be found on the Sapien Labs website.
