Story perspectives

Smartphone Ownership Linked to Depression in Teens, Experts Warn

2/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Barzilay group's study finds nearly two-thirds of 12-year-olds own smartphones and 5.7% are diagnosed with depression, compared with 4.5% of non-owners, with smartphone users having higher BMI and less sleep.
Sun's research on Latinx children shows no significant links between smartphone ownership and mental health or academic performance.
Experts urge mindful smartphone use and offline activities to mitigate risks, including keeping phones out of bedrooms at night.

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Story summary

The Barzilay group's study finds nearly two-thirds of 12-year-olds own smartphones and 5.7% are diagnosed with depression, compared with 4.5% of non-owners, with smartphone users having higher BMI and less sleep.
Sun's research on Latinx children shows no significant links between smartphone ownership and mental health or academic performance.
Experts urge mindful smartphone use and offline activities to mitigate risks, including keeping phones out of bedrooms at night.