How old should kids be before they get their first phone? If your answer is 13, science agrees . . .
A new study found 13 is the minimum age kids should get their first smartphone, or be allowed on social media. Any younger risks their FUTURE mental health.
They based it on a survey of almost two million people in 164 different countries. Kids who get access to phones and social media before 13 are more likely to end up depressed, aggressive, and emotionally unstable by their mid-20s.
The study blamed it on three main things:
1. Poor sleep. They're way more likely to lie in bed scrolling. The study found it's true even if they don't have social media, just a phone.
2. Cyberbullying. And not just from other kids. Being online exposes them to all kinds of hate.
3. Poor family relationships. Once they have the internet in their hands, they start drifting away from other family members.
Again, the study found 13 is just the MINIMUM. Some experts say keeping them off phones and Instagram until 16 might be best.