A growing number of experts are urging parents to rethink the age at which children get smartphones. A new global study warns that under-13s are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of early smartphone use including sleep disruption, cyberbullying, and mental health decline. But with over half of children in the US already owning a phone by age 11, where does that leave parents?

Here’s what the research says—and more importantly, what parents can do next.

📊 What the Study Found

Published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, the study analysed data from two million people across 163 countries. Its central finding was clear: giving a smartphone to a child under 13 is associated with poorer mental health outcomes.

These include:

• Increased risk of suicidal ideation
• Lower self-worth
• A greater sense of disconnection from reality
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Increased exposure to cyberbullying
• Strained family relationships

Worryingly, these effects were more pronounced in girls. Researchers are now calling for smartphone access for young children to be regulated in the same way as alcohol or tobacco arguing that smartphones should not be considered harmless digital accessories, but powerful devices requiring adult oversight.

📉 But the Trend Is Already Here

Despite the findings, the trend toward early phone ownership shows no sign of slowing. According to data from Common Sense Media, 53% of US children now own a smartphone by age 11. In many social circles, children feel pressure to conform. For many parents, the decision to provide a phone is driven by practical concerns like communication, safety, and staying connected in dual-household families.

This raises a key question: what do you do if your child already has a smartphone?

✅ What Parents Can Do

Experts are clear: you don’t have to throw the phone out but you do need a plan.

1. Set Parental Controls

Start by using parental control tools built into most phones and apps. These allow you to restrict downloads, limit screen time, block inappropriate content, and set daily usage limits.

“Children’s brains are still developing, so they are not able to set their own limits,” explains Dr Ariana Hoet, Executive Clinical Director at the Kids Mental Health Foundation. “They need help filtering what they’re exposed to.”

2. Check In Regularly

Monitor app usage, messages, and general digital behaviour. But equally important: talk. Create space for regular conversations about what your child sees and experiences online.

Alisha Simpson-Watt, LCSW and behavioural expert, says these check-ins should be framed as guidance, not surveillance. “Engage in ongoing conversations about responsible phone use and what to do if something upsetting happens online,” she recommends.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

From screen-free dinners to a phone bedtime curfew, household rules help children understand what responsible use looks like. Remind your child that the phone is primarily a tool for safety and communication, not an endless entertainment device.

“Reinforce that social features are secondary and should be used in moderation,” says Dr Erica Kalkut, Executive Clinical Director at LifeStance Health.

💡 What If Your Child Isn’t Ready Yet?

If your child doesn’t yet have a phone, this study may give you grounds to delay. There’s no single “right” age to allow phone use, only the right time for your individual child. Consider:

• Would a smartwatch or basic device meet your needs without full internet access?
• Is your child responsible with belongings or prone to losing them?
• Are you ready to actively manage their screen time?
• Does your child follow rules, or are they regularly pushing boundaries?

All of these questions help determine not just if they’re ready for a device but if you’re ready to support them as they use it.

🚫 The Social Media Factor

Getting a smartphone doesn’t have to mean opening the floodgates to TikTok and Snapchat.

“Many platforms are not recommended for children under 13, and even older teens may need close parental guidance,” says Dr Monica Barreto, a clinical psychologist with Nemours Children’s Health.

Particularly for girls, social media poses unique risks. Experts warn of increased body image issues, harmful comparison, and greater vulnerability to cyberbullying.

“Girls tend to spend more time on social media and place more emotional weight on their online interactions,” Dr Hoet explains. Likes, comments and followers often become distorted metrics for self-worth.

🧠 What This Means for Mental Health

What’s at stake here is not just social stress, but long-term wellbeing.

Early exposure to smartphones may interfere with cognitive development, emotional regulation, and sleep cycles. This, in turn, affects school performance, friendships, and family life.

“Smartphones aren’t neutral tools,” says Dr Barreto. “They are powerful influences that shape identity, behaviour and development.”

And while some children over 13 may be better able to handle a phone, experts agree the work doesn’t end at a birthday.

“Even after 13, kids need support. Parents should continue conversations and monitoring,” says Dr Hoet.

👨‍👩‍👧 Final Thoughts for Parents

If your child is already in possession of a smartphone, don’t panic but don’t ignore the risks either. The key is proactive parenting. Set rules. Stay involved. Educate your child about healthy digital habits—and be ready to intervene when needed.

At the same time, don’t underestimate your influence. How you use your phone matters too.

Model balance. Model boundaries. Model awareness.

Your child is watching.

🧷 Parental Takeaways

• Delay if you can: The later a child starts with smartphones and social media, the better.
• Start with safety: Make the phone a tool, not a toy. Begin with safety-focused use only.
• Restrict access: Use built-in tools and set firm rules on usage.
• Talk often: Ongoing, age-appropriate conversations are your most powerful safeguard.
• Model well: Your own habits set the tone for what’s normal.