More evidence on smartphone harms for kids

In a new study, pre-teens who began using a smart phone at age 12 showed a greater risk of eating disorder symptoms at age 14. 

There are measures parents can take to assess whether or not an adolescent is ready for their own smartphone, but this research on young people does strengthen the case for holding off during this period.

If you or anyone you know needs help with an eating disorder: 

• Butterfly Foundation on 1800 334 673
• National Eating Disorder Collaboration
• Lifeline on 131 114  

Guest/s

• Dr Jason Nagata, Associate Professor of Paediatrics, University of California San Francisco 

References

• JAMA Network Open: Smartphone Ownership and Eating Disorder Symptoms in Early Adolescence
• Health Report: What age is best for a child's first smartphone?