A sweeping new global study has found that children who receive smartphones before the age of 13 face significantly higher risks of poor mental health outcomes later in life. The research, which surveyed millions across 160 countries, links early smartphone ownership to increased rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, and lower self-worth, with girls being particularly vulnerable. Experts are sounding the alarm, urging parents to delay giving smartphones to children and calling for policy changes to protect young minds. The study also highlights the role of social media and excessive screen time in exacerbating these risks. Mental health professionals warn that the digital age is quietly reshaping childhood, with long-term consequences for emotional and social development.
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