Children who receive their own smartphones at age 12 are significantly more likely to exhibit symptoms of eating disorders by age 14, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The research, which analyzed data from almost 9,000 adolescents across the United States, found that 24% of 12‑year‑olds who owned a phone reported at least one disordered‑eating symptom two years later, compared with less than 16% of peers without a phone at that age.
Study design and key findings
The investigators used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, a long‑term project tracking brain development and health outcomes in American children. Of the participants, about 70% owned a personal smartphone at age 12. When the same cohort was surveyed at age 14, those with a phone at the earlier age were twice as likely to tie their self‑worth to their weight and 1.5 times more likely to report attempts to control weight through low‑calorie diets or excessive exercise.
Lead author Dr. Jason Nagata, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized that the timing of smartphone access may matter more than total screen time. “A smartphone can put a world of appearance‑focused content in a young person’s pocket,” Nagata said, noting that exposure to curated, edited images from influencers can heighten body dissatisfaction and, in turn, increase risk for disordered eating.
The study adds to a broader body of research linking screen time and social‑media use with negative mental‑health outcomes such as depression, low self‑esteem, and substance experimentation. Prior work by Nagata’s lab had already identified correlations between screen exposure and binge‑eating behaviors; the current analysis shifts focus to the age of initial device ownership.
Implications for parents and caregivers
Experts suggest that delaying smartphone access could provide a protective window during the “tween” years, a period marked by rapid physical and emotional changes. Dr. Mitch Prinstein, a psychology professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who was not involved in the study, noted that postponing device use by six months to a year appears to benefit mental health.
When families do decide to give a pre‑teen a phone, both Nagata and Prinstein recommend gradual exposure to social media rather than unrestricted access. Prinstein advises against handing a child an “unlocked” device that permits unlimited browsing, and suggests keeping phones out of bedrooms to facilitate monitoring.
Current platform policies set 13 as the minimum age for account creation, yet Nagata’s earlier research indicates that nearly two‑thirds of 11‑ and 12‑year‑olds already have accounts on apps like TikTok and Instagram. This discrepancy underscores the need for parental involvement in digital habits.
Guidance for managing digital exposure
Nagata stresses the importance of establishing clear ground rules, maintaining open conversations about online content, and watching for changes in eating patterns or body‑related language. He proposes practical steps such as limiting which apps children can download, setting screen‑time limits, and using family meals as opportunities to discuss digital experiences.
While the study does not pinpoint an exact “ideal” age for smartphone ownership, the evidence suggests that earlier access is associated with heightened vulnerability to body‑image concerns and unhealthy eating behaviors. Parents who choose to introduce phones during the pre‑teen years may need to implement additional safeguards to mitigate these risks.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
