HealthDay (12/2, Gotkine) reports a study found that “in early adolescence, smartphone ownership is associated with depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep.” The researchers observed that at age 12 years, “smartphone ownership versus not owning a smartphone was associated with an increased risk for depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep. Associations were seen for younger age of smartphone acquisition with obesity and insufficient sleep. After controlling for baseline mental health and sleep, at age 13 years, among 3,486 youth who did not own a smartphone at age 12 years, those who had acquired a smartphone in the past year had increased odds of reporting clinical-level psychopathology and insufficient sleep when compared with those who had not acquired a smartphone.” The study was published in Pediatrics.
Related Links:
— “Smartphone Ownership Linked To Depression, Obesity, Insufficient Sleep in Early Adolescence, Study Finds,”Elana Gotkine, HealthDay , December 2, 2025