Scientists Weigh in on Best Age for a Child’s First Phone

Research examines how early phone use may affect mental health, attention, obesity, and social development.
Scientists Weigh in on Best Age for a Child’s First Phone
Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock
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Whether to allow a child to have a cell phone is a decision many parents face today.

As concerns grow about the mental health effects of technology, such as rising rates of depression, anxiety, and attention problems among young people—the choice has become far more complex.

Fjolla Arifi
Fjolla Arifi
Author
Fjolla Arifi is a New York-based reporter covering mental health, culture, and social issues. She has written as a life fellow for the HuffPost and health fellow for BuzzFeed News. Recently, her work has appeared in National Geographic, GoodRx, NOCD, and PopSugar. Arifi is passionate about translating complex medical topics into clear, useful information for readers.