Major US Study Links Smartphones Before Age 12 to Long-Term Health Risks

A landmark U.S. study on child brain development suggests giving a smartphone to a child before age 12 may pose significant risks to their long-term health and wellbeing. The research is one of the largest of its kind conducted in the United States. The findings urge parents to carefully reconsider early smartphone access. The study indicates a potential link between early use and negative outcomes for a child's future. Researchers emphasize the importance of this large-scale data. They aim to inform parents and policymakers about the developmental implications of digital technology. The study did not specify exact health risks. However, it broadly connects pre-teen smartphone ownership to concerns about sustained mental and physical wellbeing.