BOOM

Trending Searches

    SUPPORT
    BOOM

    Trending News

      • Fact Check 
        • Fast Check
      • Law
      • Explainers
      • News 
        • All News
      • Decode
      • BOOM Reports
      • Media Buddhi 
        • Digital Buddhi
        • Senior Citizens
        • Videos
      • Web Stories
      • Workshops
      • Videos
      • Home-icon
        Home
      • About Us-icon
        About Us
      • Authors-icon
        Authors
      • Team-icon
        Team
      • Careers-icon
        Careers
      • Internship-icon
        Internship
      • Contact Us-icon
        Contact Us
      • Methodology-icon
        Methodology
      • Correction Policy-icon
        Correction Policy
      • Non-Partnership Policy-icon
        Non-Partnership Policy
      • Cookie Policy-icon
        Cookie Policy
      • Grievance Redressal-icon
        Grievance Redressal
      • Republishing Guidelines-icon
        Republishing Guidelines
      • Fact Check-icon
        Fact Check
        Fast Check
      • Law-icon
        Law
      • Explainers-icon
        Explainers
      • News-icon
        News
        All News
      • Decode-icon
        Decode
      • BOOM Reports-icon
        BOOM Reports
      • Media Buddhi-icon
        Media Buddhi
        Digital Buddhi
        Senior Citizens
        Videos
      • Web Stories-icon
        Web Stories
      • Workshops-icon
        Workshops
      • Videos-icon
        Videos
      • Home
      • News
      • Kids Using Smartphone May Face...
      News

      Kids Using Smartphone May Face Mental Health Issues, Shows Study

      Young adults who owned smartphones during early childhood reported higher rates of suicidal thoughts, feelings of aggression, a sense of detachment, and even hallucinations.

      By - Kaisar Andrabi | 16 May 2023 11:45 AM GMT
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • Print
      • link
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • Print
      • link
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • Print
      • link
    • Kids Using Smartphone May Face Mental Health Issues, Shows Study
      Listen to this Article

      A global survey conducted across 40 countries including India, reveals concerning implications for children given smartphones or tablets at a young age. The study suggests children exposed to smartphones at a young age are more likely to experience mental health problems as young adults.

      On May 15, the study was conducted by US-based non-profit Sapien Labs, who had collected data from 27,969 young adults aged 18 to 24, with approximately 4,000 respondents from India. It reads: Young adults who owned smartphones during early childhood reported higher rates of suicidal thoughts, feelings of aggression, a sense of detachment from reality, and even hallucinations.

      Women appeared more affected

      The study suggested women are more affected globally. 74% of females who received smartphones at the age of 6 are experiencing serious mental health challenges as young adults. The percentage lands it in the “distressed” or “struggling” Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) range.

      The percentage is low (61%) among those who acquire smartphones at age 10. It further decreased to 52% for those who receive it at 15. Of individuals who got smartphones at age 18, among them 46% are living mentally distressed or struggling.

      Less impact on Males

      While in males the trend is similar, the impact was less acute. Roughly 42% of males who acquired their first smartphone at age 6 were also classified under “distressed” or “struggling” mental states. The percentage is 36% for those who start using smartphones at age 18.

      The study, titled “Age of first smartphone and Mental well-being outcome,” employed an assessment that encompassed a range of symptoms and mental capabilities, ultimately producing an aggregate Mental Health Quotient (MHQ). These scores were then compared to the reported age of first smartphone or tablet ownership among the respondents.

      Also Read: In Rajasthan Schools, AI Is Teacher And Examiner

      Neuroscientist Tara Thiagarajan, founder and chief scientist of Sapien Labs, emphasises the adverse implications of early smartphone ownership on mental health.

      The scientist said, “Getting your phone early means more mental health problems as an adult, particularly suicidal thoughts, feelings of aggression towards others, and a sense of being detached from reality. Altogether, it leads to a poorer sense of 'social self,' including how one views oneself and relates to others.”

      What is the percentage in India?

      Last year, another study conducted by McAfee – Global Connected Family shows that in India, smartphone use among children aged 10-14 is 83%, surpassing the international average of 76%.

      While the Sapien Labs study establishes a strong correlation between early smartphone use and mental health issues in young adulthood, it does not delve into the underlying causes.

      Thiagarajan, however, provided insights into the matter, pointing out that children spend between 5 and 8 hours a day online, which accumulates to approximately 2,950 hours per year.

      Also Read: Congress Storms Karnataka, BJP's Double Engine Sarkara Loses Steam

      Prior to the arrival of smartphones, a significant portion of time was spent engaging with family and friends. She drew an analogy to sports, highlighting that social behavior, like football skills, requires practice and learning. Children are missing out on essential social practices due to excessive smartphone usage, leading to difficulties in navigating the social world.

      Tags

      Mental HealthsmartphonesIndiachildren
      Read Full Article
      Boom

      Do you always want to share the authentic news with your friends?

      Subscribed Successfully...
      Enter Valid Email Id
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • Print
      • link
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • Print
      • link
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • Print
      • link
      Next Story
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • link
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • link
      • Facebook
      • Twitter
      • Whatsapp
      • Telegram
      • Linkedin
      • Email
      • link
      Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
      Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker. Please reload after ad blocker is disabled.
      X
      Or, Subscribe to receive latest news via email
      Subscribed Successfully...
      Copy HTMLHTML is copied!
      There's no data to copy!