Using a smartphone from a young age, more likely to lead to mental illnesses : Research findings

More effect on women than men !

(Credit : Today’s Parent)

Washington DC (USA) – An organisation called ‘Sapien Labs’ has done important research that has revealed the effects of technology on the mental health of children. If children are given smartphones at a young age, they may develop serious mental illnesses when they grow up. This research has revealed that it affects the mental health of women more than men.

Research done by Sapien Labs –

1. Research has shown that the later children get a smartphone, the greater their self-confidence and ability to interact positively with others. It was also observed that girls who got smartphones late had more adaptability and flexibility in their outlook.

2. If children are exposed to smartphones at a very young age, they are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, feelings of aggression towards others, detachment from reality, and many other mental health issues.

The research, titled ‘Age of First Smartphone and Mental Wellbeing Outcomes’, was published on 14th May.

From January to April 2023, the mental health of 27,969 children in the age group of 18 to 24 years was studied. The survey was conducted in 41 countries across North America, Europe, Latin America, South Asia, and Africa. 4,000 youths from India were included in this research.

A table showing the findings of the research:

Question of extreme concern for a young country like India !

Shailender Swaminathan, director of Sapien Labs, said regarding this research that the excess of technology affects the mental health of children and youth. This research is very important for a country like India. There are an estimated 20 crore children in the age group of 15 to 25 in India. Accordingly, the findings of this research will serve as guidelines for schools, parents, and others. Although only 4,000 children from India participated in this research, the numbers are concerning. In India, as many as 83% of children in the age group of 10 to 14 have a smartphone. This number is higher than the international average by 76%.