According to this study, those between the ages of 18 and 24 who got their first mobile phone (or tablet) at a later age had, on average, better mental health and therefore fewer issues with suicidal thoughts, feelings of hostility towards other people, and a sense of separation from reality. This suggests a cumulative impact of childhood mobile phone use on adults. The report also reveals that this effect could be worse in females. According to the report, 60% – 70% of females that use mobile phones before they are 10 years experience mental health issues as adults. Although men are not immune, the cases are lower. About 45% – 50% of men who use mobile phones before age 10 face similar issues in old age.
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Childhood mobile phone use is a risk
The report found that there are long-term improvements in mental well-being for each year of delay in getting a mobile phone during childhood. As the age of the first smartphone goes up, so does the mental health reported by young adults, assessed by the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ). The percentage of females with mental health challenges decreased from 74% for those who received their first mobile phone at age 6 to 46% for those who received it at age 18. In males, the percentage dropped from 42% who received their first mobile phone at age 6 to 36% who received it at age 18.
Conclusion
The report by Sapien Labs highlights the possible relationship between childhood smartphone use and current mental health. It suggests that there are long-term improvements in mental well-being for each year of delay in getting a smartphone during childhood. The report also found that as age of first mobile phone goes up, so does the mental health reported by young adults. The study provides compelling evidence for parents who have held out on giving their young offspring a handheld window to the world.