Should Students Under the Age of 12 Have Smartphones?

In today’s digital world, smartphones feel almost as essential as school supplies. Many parents see them as tools for safety, communication, and even education. But giving a smartphone to a child under age of 12 may be a decision that comes with more risks than benefits. While the intention could be good, many consequences could shape a child’s future development.

A study, published in the journal Pediatrics on Monday, December 1, 2025, found that children who had a smartphone by age 12 were at higher risk of depression, obesity and insufficient sleep than those who did not yet have one. Researchers analyzed data from more than 10,500 children who participated in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, the largest long-term look at children’s brain development in the United States to date. The study focused on a subset of children who hadn’t received a phone by age 12 and found that a year later, those who had acquired one had more harmful mental health symptoms and worse sleep than those who hadn’t.

“A kid at age 12 is very, very different than a kid at age 16,” Dr. Barzilay, lead author of the study and a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, said. “It’s not like an adult at age 42 versus 46.” It shows that early adolescence is a critical developmental vulnerability window, making it high risk for using more technology compare to older adults.

In my opinion, children should have limits or restrictions on smartphones. First, childhood is a critical time for social growth, and kids should communicate and build relationships through face-to-face interaction. When a smartphone becomes a constant companion, it can interrupt these experiences, and children may retreat into screens. Over time, digital reliance can weaken social skills and reduce confidence in many real world situations.

Another reason is the impact on mental health. Smartphones open the door to social media, online games, and even at a young age, children can feel pressure to fit in, gain likes, and keep up with others. This can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and obesity. Unlike adults, younger children, those under the age of 12, are still learning the ability to cope with high pressure, and these problems could become more serious when they reach a their adulthood.

Some argue that smartphones are necessary for safety, mainly that children need a way to contact their parents. While this is a valid reason, simpler alternatives like basic phones or smartwatches can provide communication without a full range of distractions.

Sometimes, the best way to prepare children for the future is to let them fully experience the present. Smartphones do bring children convenience, but it also will have a negative impact on mental health and social skills.