Children who get smartphones by age 12 face serious risks related to eating disorders, according to new research. A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open analyzed survey data from over 6,200 adolescents in the U.S., showing that owning a smartphone at such a young age is linked to a higher likelihood of developing eating disorder symptoms.
Strikingly, 70 percent of participants reported having a smartphone by age 12. Among these young smartphone users, binge-eating emerged as the most common symptom of eating disorders, reported by 9 percent. By age 14, around 24 percent of these children indicated they had experienced at least one symptom of an eating disorder. In contrast, only 16 percent of those who did not own a smartphone during their tween years reported similar symptoms by age 14.
Jason Nagata, the study’s lead author and an adolescent medicine specialist at the University of California San Francisco, pointed out that smartphones grant immediate access to a vast array of appearance-focused content. This exposure can lead to unhealthy eating behaviors. Nagata emphasized, “A smartphone can put a world of appearance-focused content in a young person’s pocket.” He warned parents that acquiring a smartphone is more than just getting a device; it significantly changes a child’s access to various digital content and experiences.
The study also highlights the influence of social media on these trends. Kids who owned smartphones at 12 were found to be twice as likely to link their self-worth to their weight. They were also 50 percent more likely to try offset weight gain with exercising or disordered behaviors like self-induced vomiting. Nagata remarked, “When you’re comparing yourself to influencers whose images are curated, edited and filtered, that can lead to more body dissatisfaction and poor self-esteem, and then that can be a risk factor for eating disorders.”
While these findings may not come as a surprise to parents aware of the challenges posed by the digital age, the study specifically highlights how early smartphone access is a crucial factor. Previous research has already connected increased screen time with a higher risk of eating disorder symptoms and a tendency to associate self-worth with weight. This study highlights how early smartphone access is a crucial factor, suggesting that even a brief delay in access could positively impact mental health.
Mitch Prinstein, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the University of North Carolina, noted that emerging research indicates a potential delay in smartphone access could be as short as six months to a year. This small window might lead to significant improvements in mental health outcomes for children.
