New research says children under 13 should not be allowed to use smartphones

A new study published in “Journal of Human Development and Capacity”A UK study has raised serious concerns that children under 13 who use smartphones are at increased risk of mental health problems, including suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem and disconnection from reality, particularly among girls.

Research shows that each year of mobile phone use after the age of 13 can reduce a teenager’s happiness and mental stability. This is thought to be because early access to social media makes them more susceptible to insomnia, cyberbullying and negative family relationships.

The data was collected from nearly 2 million self-reports in 163 countries. While not independently verified, the scale and consistency of the results are enough for researchers to call for a global policy to limit children under 13’s access to smartphones and social media.

The study's lead author, Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of the non-profit organization Sapien Labs (USA), emphasized: "We need urgent action to limit young children's use of smartphones and establish stricter regulations on the digital environment that young people are exposed to."

Unlike previous studies that have focused primarily on the link between cell phones and anxiety or depression, this study looked at less-noticed symptoms such as emotional regulation and self-esteem and found that these were significant factors in children's mental development.

However, the research team also acknowledged that there are still many limitations, such as not being able to determine which types of use are most harmful and whether these impacts will change over time as technology continues to evolve.

Children should not use social networks before the age of 16.

After reviewing the scientific evidence, researchers are increasingly convinced that giving children access to smartphones before the age of 13 is a bad decision. Researchers also consistently recommend that parents should not let their children use social media before the age of 16.

Reliable research from the UK shows that exposure to social media during puberty is clearly linked to lower life satisfaction a year later.

Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt - author of the bestselling book “Generation Anxiety: The Big Change in Childhood Is Creating a Mental Health Epidemic” also gives similar advice, delay using social media until at least age 16.

Of course, it’s not easy. Many parents worry that their child will be isolated if they don’t use social media while their friends are already using it. But this can only change if we work together. If the parents of the classmates can come together and set clear boundaries, then putting a social media hold on them becomes much more feasible.

In the US, a lobbying group called “Wait Until 8^th” (Wait Until 8th Grade) has created a pledge that parents can sign, promising not to let their children use smartphones before completing 8th grade. Similar initiatives are spreading, creating a network of like-minded parents.

Melissa Greenberg, a clinical psychologist at the Princeton Psychotherapy Center, encourages parents to seek out support groups in their community. “If you don’t have one, consider starting a conversation. Many people find it a relief to have someone voice what they’ve been thinking about for a long time.”

Sapien Labs scientist Tara Thiagarajan also recommends that parents choose schools with policies that limit smartphone use, or lobby schools to introduce stricter regulations.

However, experts stress that parents cannot face this problem alone. Even if your family strictly enforces age limits, your child may still access social media through friends, on the school bus or at extracurricular activities.

Therefore, Thiagarajan calls on parents to not only take action within the family but also to become an active voice in policy debates and build a healthier digital environment for future generations.

Don't panic, talk and accompany your child.

If you’ve given your child a smartphone before age 13 or are worried about the potential effects, don’t panic. Clinical psychologist Melissa Greenberg emphasizes that it’s important to stay calm and proactively connect with your child.

“If you don’t see any signs of anything unusual, use it as an opportunity to open up the conversation,” Greenberg advises. “You can share that many young people struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, or strong emotions. That doesn’t mean your child will, but let them know that support is available if they need it.”

Even if your child already has a smartphone, it’s not too late to make a change, says communications expert Kara Alaimo. If you notice worrying signs like mood swings, withdrawal, insomnia, or low self-esteem, consider seeing a licensed mental health professional for intervention.

It's important to build a trusting relationship so your child feels safe to share and knows that you're there for them, no matter what they're facing in the digital world.

It's never too late to change

If your child already owns a smartphone, you may feel anxious or even helpless reading studies warning of negative impacts. But according to clinical psychologist Melissa Greenberg, it's never too late to make adjustments.

“A lot of parents think they’ve gone too far to turn back, but that’s not true,” Greenberg says. “If you feel like what you’re doing is no longer working for your child or your family situation, don’t be afraid to change direction.”

These changes can start with implementing parental controls, removing unnecessary apps, or even considering switching to a “brick” phone, a device that keeps you connected but significantly reduces the risk of digital addiction.

Of course, children can react negatively to sudden changes. But Greenberg says that shouldn't be a reason for parents to back down, especially when the adjustment can have long-term benefits for a child's mental health and development.

One effective approach is to have a frank conversation with your child about the impact that technology can have when you first let them use a phone. Now, scientists and doctors have discovered many things that we didn’t know before. So, parents need to make some changes to ensure that their child is growing up in the healthiest environment possible.

If your child gets upset or protests, be patient and empathetic. “Even adults get upset when asked to change their routine,” says Greenberg. “We can’t expect children to accept it perfectly.”

If your child doesn’t have a phone yet, now is a great time to start building consensus with other parents in your community. A collective commitment will help reduce peer pressure and create a supportive environment.

In short, keeping your child away from smartphones at such an early age can be one of the most important and wise decisions you make, not only for the present, but also for their future.