Here’s another scientifically backed-up reason as to why you need to delay giving your kid a smartphone or tablet. Aside from using it may hinder their other interests or hobbies, your kid may face more serious mental health problems when they grow up, according to recent findings from a US-based non-profit Sapien Labs research.
The research found that the early children use a smartphone or tablet, the more they are at risk to decline mental health when they become adults.
Moreover, the findings also showed that women who got a smartphone or tablet at an early age are more adversely affected mentally compared to their male counterparts.
“A recent study reveals that young adults in the 18 to 24 age group, who got smartphones at an early age, have “poorer mental health”, with women being more affected than men.”
All about the study
In the research titled, ‘Age of First Smartphone and Mental Well-being Outcomes’ that was published last Sunday (May 14), the health researchers analyzed the data collected from exactly 27,969 adults aged 18 to 24 years from more than 40 countries between January to April this year.
The study is a part of the Global Mind Project that focuses on global mental well-being facilitated and led by Sapien Labs aiming to “understand and enable the human mind”.
The data acquired from the participants came from an assessment that includes 47 elements covering a broad range of symptoms and mental capabilities on a life-impact scale.
They also combined the life-impact scale with an aggregate score, called the Mental Health Quotient or MHQ, as well as dimensional scores.
After the assessment, the gathered dimensional scores and ratings from each element were then compared with the reported age of owning the first smartphone or tablet.
More about the findings
About 74% of female participants, who obtained their first smartphone at the age of six, were found to have been facing mental health issues as young adults.
The majority of their scores fall within the “distressed” or “struggling” MHQ range, as per the Times of India (TOI).
On the other hand, around 42% of male participants, who had their first smartphone at the age of six, were found to have “distressed” or “struggling” mental states.
The data is relatively lesser when men participants obtained their device at age 18.
Action for parents: consider delaying giving smartphones or tablets
So, what now for parents? The best thing to do is to consider delaying giving smartphones or tablets to your kids.
If you already have given them access to these gadgets, you may want to manage their screen time.