Smartphone ownership at younger age linked to poorer health outcomes: study

Owning a smartphone at a younger age is associated with poorer health outcomes, according to a new study published Monday, reported Xinhua.

The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, analyzed data from more than 10,000 12-year-olds participating in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

The study found that, at age 12, smartphone ownership was associated with higher risks of depression, obesity and insufficient sleep compared with not owning a smartphone.

The findings provide "critical and timely insights" that should inform caregivers about adolescent smartphone use and support the development of public policies aimed at protecting youth, the study said.