More than 40% of six-year-olds who were given smartphones reported feeling distressed and struggling with their mental health.
That is according to a Sapien Labs study, which used data from across 41 countries to determine the negative effects smartphones can have on the mental health of children. The research found that the mental health of younger people became worse the earlier they got their first smartphone.
For instance, 74% of girls who were given their first smartphone at age six said they felt distressed or were struggling. This decreased to 61% for those who received their first smartphone at age 10, 52% for those who acquired their first smartphone at age 15, and 46% among those who were given their first smartphone at age 18.
Among males, 42% who acquired their first smartphone at age six experienced feeling distressed or struggling. This fell to 36% for those who were given a smartphone at age 18.
Read also: Anger Outbursts Among Children Linked to the Use of Tablets During Early Childhood: Study
Children Mental Health Struggles Due to Smartphone Use
In addition to mental health struggles, the study also surveyed children on suicidal thoughts and intentions using a nine-point scale where 1 was "never caused any problems" and 9 was "a constant and severe impact on the ability to function."
Among females, those who received their first smartphone at age 6 said their suicidal thoughts and intentions had an average rating of 5.8. This fell to 3.6 for those who were given a smartphone at age 18.
Among males, average ratings were 4.1 for those who acquired a smartphone at age 6 and 3.2 for those who were given a smartphone at age 18.
Other Mental Health Issues
Apart from suicidal thoughts, among the five mental health problems noted by females in the study were a sense of being detached from reality, hallucinations, aggression towards others, and addictions (including online addictions). As with suicidal intentions, these mental health problems decreased among females who received a smartphone at an older age.
Among males, other mental health problems noted were guilt and blame, repetitive or compulsive actions, a sense of being detached from reality, and aggression towards others.
