Why Parents Should Wait Before Giving Kids a Smartphone

If you’ve ever felt torn between “all their friends have one” and “I’m not ready for this,” you’re not alone, and science now says your hesitation might be right.

A new large study published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who get a smartphone before age 12 are at a significantly higher risk of mental-health and health problems in early adolescence.

According to lead author Dr. Ran Barzilay, “We tested associations of smartphone ownership … with depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep” and found that by age 12, kids who owned smartphones had about 1.3× higher risk of depression, 1.4× higher risk of obesity, and 1.6× higher odds of not getting enough sleep, compared with those without phones.

What This Means for Parents

Mental-health risk: Early smartphone ownership correlated with a higher risk of depression by early adolescence.

Sleep disruption: Poor sleep and irregular habits, strongly linked to smartphones, can influence mood, academic performance, and overall well-being. ABC New

Physical health impact: The study also flagged higher obesity risk among early smartphone owners, likely tied to reduced physical activity and disrupted rest. PhillyVoice

Smart Parenting Moves (Based on the Findings)

Wait before giving a smartphone; consider delaying until teens are older, more emotionally mature, and can handle screen time responsibly.

Set boundaries early. If a phone is necessary, make firm rules: screen-free hours, no phones in bedrooms, and monitor usage.

Prioritize sleep and activity — ensure kids get enough sleep and encourage active, screen-free hobbies to offset digital exposure.

Talk with your kids about digital health — help them understand WHY you’re delaying or restricting phone use; teach them self-regulation and awareness of mental-health risks.

“Given concerns regarding health implications of adolescent smartphone use … we found worse health outcomes in early adolescence.” — Dr. Ran Barzilay