Kids with smartphones by age 12 are at higher risk of health issues, study finds
Kids with smartphones by age 12 are at higher risk of health issues, study finds
Children and adolescents who own smartphones by age 12 have higher risks of depression, poor sleep and obesity, according to a new study.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article is mostly accurate, reflecting the general findings of a study linking early smartphone ownership to potential health risks. However, the article presents a somewhat negative slant, focusing primarily on the risks while downplaying potential benefits. The reliance on a single study as the basis for the article introduces a degree of bias.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Children and adolescents who own smartphones by age 12 have higher risks of depression, poor sleep and obesity.
- Verification Source #1: Researchers found higher rates of depression, poor sleep and obesity among tweens who had early access to a cellphone.
- Verification Source #2: Getting a smartphone before age 13 may dramatically raise risks of suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles later.
- Verification Source #3: Study suggests early smartphone use can cause mental health challenges later in life
- Assessment: Supported by multiple sources.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1 confirms the link between early smartphone ownership and higher rates of depression, poor sleep, and obesity.
- Source 2 supports the claim that early smartphone ownership is linked to mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts.
- Source 4 mentions that the USF study reveals both benefits and risks of smartphones for kids, which is not highlighted in the CBS article.