A New Study on Teens, Phones, & Mental Health

A recent study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities analyzed data from 100,000 young adults and found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is linked to poorer mental health outcomes, including suicidal thoughts, aggression, dissociation, and hallucinations.

This research, part of the Global Mind Project with over 2 million participants worldwide, highlights complex factors such as early social media exposure, cyberbullying, disrupted sleep, and family issues influencing these associations. While technology’s role is significant, experts caution it is not the sole cause of the teen mental health crisis, with some dubbing this cohort “Generation Rumination.” These findings underscore the need for nuanced public health strategies addressing youth digital environments.