New Study Links Smartphone Ownership at Age 12 to Increased Risk of Eating Disorders by Age 14
Summary
Children who own smartphones at age 12 are more likely to show eating disorder symptoms by age 14, according to a new U.S. study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers say early phone access can increase exposure to appearance-focused social media content and body-image stress, making parental oversight important.
Key Points
- A new study finds that 12-year-olds with their own smartphones are more likely to develop eating disorder symptoms by age 14.
- The research, based on about 9,000 U.S. adolescents, links early smartphone ownership to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and weight-control behaviors.
- Lead author Dr. Jason Nagata says parents should think carefully about both when to give a phone and how to manage access to apps and social media.
- Experts recommend gradual social media access, clear phone rules and monitoring children's eating and body-image changes.
