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?