🌅 Kids with Smartphones Report More Eating Disorder Symptoms

SOURCE

Nagata et al. (2026)

WHAT TO KNOW

• A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found 24% of U.S. 12-year-olds who own smartphones report at least one eating disorder symptom by age 14, compared to less than 16% of 12-year-olds who don’t own a smartphone. Smartphone ownership at age 12 was also associated with a higher likelihood of tying self-worth to weight and the use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain (compensatory behaviors are actions taken to counteract the consumption of calories or alleviate guilt about eating, like induced vomiting, diuretic misuse, exercising to lose weight, or fasting). Aligning with previous research, the team found 70% of U.S. 12-year-olds now own a smartphone.

WHY IT MATTERS

• The study found smartphone owners at age 12 and 14 consistently showed higher rates of eating disorder symptoms than non-owners, suggesting the timing of smartphone ownership could increase the risk of developing an eating disorder later in life (it should be noted that the present study only examined symptoms, not actual diagnoses). The researchers believe giving children access to heavily edited and curated appearance-focused content on social media can lead to body dissatisfaction and poor self-esteem, which can be risk factors for developing eating disorders. While the present study didn’t offer an appropriate age for parents to give their child a smartphone, experts say delaying until age 13 seems to be “safer” and could make a meaningful difference. Parents should also employ additional guardrails like limiting app downloads and keeping devices out of bedrooms.

CONNECT THE DOTS

• The study adds to the body of evidence suggesting smartphone ownership in adolescence increases the risk of several mental and physical health issues. Recent research has linked early smartphone ownership to an increased risk of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep, and frequent screen time and social media use to anxiety symptoms, infrequent physical activity, and poor social and emotional support, among other adverse health outcomes.