Are you considering giving your adolescent a smartphone? Before making that decision, it's crucial to delve into a recent study conducted by US-based non-profit organization Sapien Labs. Their research sheds light on the connection between early smartphone use and mental health issues in young adults, with women being particularly affected. Understanding the study's methodology, key findings, and its wider implications can help guide informed decisions regarding smartphone use among children and teenagers.
The study, titled 'Age of First Smartphone and Mental Well-being Outcomes,' was published on May 14 and involved data collected from 27,969 adults aged 18 to 24 from over 40 countries, including approximately 4,000 participants from India. As part of the Global Mind Project, an ongoing survey of global mental well-being, the research aimed to deepen the understanding of the human mind and its interactions with technology.
Volunteers participated by completing an assessment comprising 47 elements that covered a wide range of symptoms and mental capabilities. These elements were evaluated on a life impact scale, generating an aggregate score called the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) and dimensional scores. The study then compared these scores with the reported age at which participants first owned a smartphone or tablet.
The findings revealed that young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who obtained smartphones at an early age experienced poorer mental health, with women facing more significant impacts than men. Among female participants who received their first smartphone at the age of six, approximately 74% were found to be within the "distressed" or "struggling" MHQ range. The prevalence of mental health challenges decreased to 61% for those who received their device at ten years old, and further declined to 52% for those who obtained it at fifteen. When the age of first smartphone ownership was eighteen, around 46% of women were experiencing mental health challenges.
For men, the study showed that around 42% of those who acquired their first smartphone at six years old had "distressed" or "struggling" mental states. This percentage decreased to 36% for men who received their device at age eighteen.
Notably, the study found that when children acquired smartphones at a later age, their "Social Self," encompassing elements like self-confidence and positive relationships with others, improved. These trends were consistent across regions, including South Asia, indicating their relevance to India as well. The decline in issues such as suicidal thoughts, aggression towards others, detachment from reality, and hallucinations was most significant among females but was also observed to a lesser extent among males, except in South Asia where the trend was directional but not statistically significant.
Importantly, the study's findings extended to participants with no history of traumatic or adverse childhood experiences, emphasizing the long-term impact of early smartphone use on mental well-being during young adulthood.
Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, founder of Sapien Labs, highlighted the implications of the study, stating, "These findings suggest that there are long-term improvements in mental well-being for each year of delay in getting a smartphone during childhood." She emphasized the need to continue studying this relationship and develop effective policies and interventions to support healthy mental development in the digital age.
The study holds particular significance for India, where smartphone use among children in the 10-14 age group surpasses the international average, with 83% reported smartphone usage, according to McAfee's Global Connected Family study.
Shailender Swaminathan, the director of Sapien Labs Centre for the Human Brain and Mind in India, stressed report's contribution to understanding the role of early access to technology in influencing mental health outcomes. With India being home to over 200 million youth aged between 15-25 yrs, the findings have substantial implications for schools, parents, employers, and society at large.
In conclusion, the study by Sapien Labs provides valuable insights into the potential negative consequences of early smartphone use on mental health in young adults, particularly among women. By raising awareness of this issue, policymakers, educators, parents, and individuals can work together to develop strategies that foster healthy digital habits, and prioritize mental well-being in the younger generation.