UAE: At what age should kids get smartphones? – information

Global study links young people’s mental health to when they got their first mobile phone as a child

Young people who own a smartphone when they are 18 or older have better mental health as adults, a new global study shows.

The percentage of women experiencing mental health challenges dropped from 74 percent at age 6 who received their first smartphone to 46 percent at age 18. For males, this percentage dropped from 42% at age 6 to 36% at age 18. The Sapien Labs study surveyed 27,969 respondents between the ages of 18 and 24.

“These findings suggest that each additional year of delayed access to a smartphone in childhood is associated with long-term improvements in mental health,” said lead scientist Tara Thiagarajan. “It is important that we continue to study this relationship and work to develop effective policies and interventions.”

However, in an increasingly digital and device-centric world, children need to get their first smartphones in their teens, experts in the UAE say. “I usually recommend starting at age 13 or older, [they] You can have your own phone,” said Anisa Ismail, a digital health coach in the UAE. “Aged 12 and under, should not have their own phone, but they can use it under supervision. “

According to Anisa, teaching children to use their devices responsibly is similar to teaching them how to brush their teeth and requires patience. “Owning a phone is a responsibility, one of which should be taught to young children,” she said. “The example I like to give is that when children are young, parents teach them skills like tying shoes and brushing teeth. It’s a tedious process that takes time, but eventually the skills are mastered. How can the same skills be best To use a mobile phone, you need to be taught.”

There should be some basic ground rules when giving devices to teens, she said. “The reason for using the phone should be clear, the apps downloaded should have a purpose, and the time limit for using the phone should not exceed two hours a day,” she said.

According to Sage Clinics clinical psychologist Dr. Lauren Smith, the appropriate age to give a young person their first cell phone depends on their developmental age, what the phone is used for, whether parents have control over it, and the level of supervision.

“In our view, introducing children to smartphones is a deliberate and proactive parenting decision,” said Dr. Lauren. “As mental health professionals, we promote a balanced approach that encourages responsible phone use, open communication and active parental involvement.”

Although local statistics are not available, a 2021 report indicated that 31% of 8-year-olds in the US own a smartphone, rising to 71% of 12-year-olds and 91% of 14-year-olds.

Experts say it’s important for parents to set ground rules when giving their kids devices. “The most important thing a parent can share is transparency and having the rules in place,” Anisa said. “As long as the child can understand [the rules], they have no reason not to have a healthy relationship with their phones. “

Dr. Wafa Saoud, a clinical psychologist at the Sage Clinics, agrees with Anisa. “When giving children their first mobile phone, it’s crucial that parents take steps to promote responsible and safe use,” she said. Dr. Wafa and Dr. Lauren share a checklist for giving young people a phone:

1. Establish clear guidelines and boundaries for phone use, such as setting time limits and identifying technology-free zones.

2. Educate children about online safety, including the importance of protecting personal information, avoiding sharing inappropriate content, and understanding the potential consequences of their digital behavior.

3. Install parental control software to monitor and limit access to age-inappropriate content, and agree to regular supervision and what that means for your child.

4. Encourage open and ongoing communication with children about their digital experiences, address concerns, and develop healthy online habits.