Kids who owned a smartphone at age 12 were found to have about 31% higher odds of depression, 40% higher odds of obesity and 62% higher odds of insufficient sleep than their peers who didn't have one. The researchers analyzed data from the National Institutes of Health-supported Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study assessments conducted between 2016 and 2022. The study included responses from 10,588 youths.
The research reveals a stark contrast in smartphone ownership among Irish eight-year-olds, with more than half from less advantaged areas owning one, compared to 22% from middle-class backgrounds.