*Researchers, in a new study, found early and excessive smartphone use could have long-term consequences on children’s academic performance, mental health, and social skills

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Global experts, in a fresh study, found that excessive smartphone use was linked to reduced attention span and lower academic performance.

The international team of researchers noted strong correlation between screen time and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in children.

They opined that smartphone use has been shown to reduce the quality of family interaction and hinder social skill development in children.

According to the study published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, the researchers sounded an alarm about the growing risks smartphones pose to children鈥檚 mental, emotional, and cognitive development.

The study also found compelling evidence that increasing smartphone use among children is linked to a wide range of harmful developmental effects, many of which could have long-term consequences.

One of the most critical findings of the study is that children who spend over three hours a day on smartphones exhibit significantly lower academic performance. The researchers further found that constant exposure to digital content 鈥� particularly entertainment-based platforms, such as short-form videos and mobile games 鈥� diminishes children’s ability to focus, reduces memory retention, and weakens problem-solving skills.

The authors of the report as well wrote: “Smartphones are training children to seek constant stimulation and instant gratification.

“This rewires attention mechanisms in the developing brain, making sustained focus in educational settings more difficult.”

Mental health threats

The study also established a direct connection between smartphone overuse and deteriorating mental health.

According to experts, children who frequently use smartphones were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and chronic sleep issues.

Night-time usage, in particular, was cited as a major disruptor of natural sleep rhythms, leading to mood instability and fatigue during the day.

Smartphones eroding vital human connections, say experts

Social media was identified as a particularly harmful factor. Researchers found that children exposed to constant social comparison, cyberbullying, and unrealistic portrayals of life online are more prone to low self-esteem and body image issues.

The researchers, in the study, suggested that smartphones are eroding vital human connections during a critical developmental stage.

Children who engage with devices during meals or family time were found to have poorer relationships with parents and siblings. Further still, reliance on digital interaction appears to hinder real-world social skills, including empathy, eye contact, and emotional regulation.

Parents, guardians tasked on establishing boundaries for children

The researchers urged parents and guardians to establish clear boundaries around smartphone use, encouraging device-free time for play, reading, and conversation.

The study equally recommended that policymakers consider stricter regulations around marketing digital content to children, and expand public education about the developmental dangers of screen overexposure for children.

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