Among nearly 9,000 U.S. adolescents, almost one-quarter who had a smartphone at 12 reported at least one eating-disorder symptom by 14, compared with fewer than 16% of those without one. Researchers said more studies are needed to understand the link.
Reported symptoms included binge eating, disrupted sleep and tying self-worth to weight. The study also found that 70% of 12-year-olds owned a smartphone.
Lead author Jason Nagata said the study does not answer what age is appropriate for a child’s first smartphone. He told CNN that parents should stay involved in children’s digital lives and consider rules for phone use and regular conversations about online content.
