OMG! Experts Just Dropped a Phone BOMBSHELL for Kids (And What To Do If It’s Too Late!)

By India McCarty

A recent study advises parents against providing smartphones to their kids before they reach the age of 13. But what steps can be taken if your child already possesses one?

“The younger a child is when they receive a smartphone, the greater the potential impact on their psychological development, influencing their thinking and worldview,” explained Tara Thiagarajan, a co-author of the study, in an email to ABC News.

The research, featured in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, suggests a correlation between early smartphone ownership and diminished self-esteem and self-worth. Girls, in particular, reported decreased confidence and emotional resilience, while boys expressed reduced empathy. Furthermore, the study identified a connection between smartphone usage among children under 13 and the occurrence of suicidal thoughts.

To mitigate such adverse effects, the study’s authors advocate delaying cellphone ownership until at least the age of 13.

However, many parents find this recommendation arriving after their children already have phones. If that is the case, how can you maintain your child’s safety?

Alisha Simpson-Watt, founder of Collaborative ABA Services, advises parents to “routinely monitor your child’s activity, including apps, messages, and screen time.” She also suggests encouraging open dialogues with children about responsible phone usage.

Clinical psychologist Dr. Jerry Bubrick concurs, stating that you are teaching your kids to make sound choices over time, so that eventually, when they are out on their own, you can trust that they will make good decisions on their own.”

Leveraging the parental control features available on many smartphones can also be beneficial. These tools allow for the blocking of inappropriate apps or videos and the enforcement of screen time limits.

Other experts recommend allowing children to have a phone while restricting their access to social media.

According to Dr. Monica Barreto, Clinical Director of Behavioral Health, FL Primary Care at Nemours Children’s Health, “Many social media platforms are not recommended for kids under the age of 13. Even those over 13 may need parental guidance.”

Dr. Barreto further elaborated that parents can help children – particularly young girls – avoid negative feelings of low confidence, body image issues, and comparisons to others by limiting social media use.

Related: Don’t Give Your Kids Phones Before High School — Here’s Why

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While the study suggests waiting until after age 13 to introduce smartphones, Dr. Ariana Hoet, Executive Clinical Director at the Kids Mental Health Foundation, underscores the importance of parental intuition.

“Some children may still be at high risk at 13 years old,” she cautions. “Even after a child is over 13 years old, parents should continue to have conversations, check-ins, and monitor their use.”

In conclusion, while this recent study suggests increased risks associated with smartphone ownership for children under 13, there are still safe strategies for younger children to use their own phones, provided that parents maintain awareness and active involvement.

Read Next: Expert Weighs In On Age Appropriate Devices For Children

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