A Study Reveals the Impact of Early Phone Use on Mental Health

A scientific study has revealed a concerning link between children's early use of mobile phones—specifically before the age of 13—and the development of serious mental health issues later in life. These findings sound an alarm about the long-term effects of early exposure to technology on future generations.

The Study's Details and Disturbing Findings

A research team from the US-based "Sabin Labs" specializing in mental health analyzed data from the "Global Mind Project," a vast database containing mental health files, demographic information, and lifestyle data for over 1.5 million internet users.

The researchers found that children who started using mobile phones at age 12 or younger were more likely to suffer from alarming psychological symptoms in early adulthood (ages 18-24). According to the study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, these symptoms were linked to suicidal thoughts, aggressive behavior, detachment from reality, and hallucinations.

• Girls: Those who used phones at an early age experienced feelings of inferiority, low self-esteem, and a decline in emotional resilience.

• Boys: Showed symptoms such as instability, tension, and a reduced capacity for empathy towards others.

The Causes of the Correlation and Proposed Solutions

The researchers emphasized that these findings are not solely tied to phone use itself. They are largely associated with social media use, the risks of cyberbullying, sleep disorders, and weak family relationships. These factors combined create a fertile environment for mental health issues among young people.

In light of these results, the research team, in statements reported by the medical research website "Health Day," called for a series of measures to protect the mental health of future generations:

• Providing compulsory education to combat digital illiteracy.

• Raising awareness about mental health problems.

• Imposing restrictions on the use of mobile phones and social media for those under the age of 13.