About The Study: The results of this cohort study suggest that simply smartphone acquisition at age 13 was not associated with depression or with obesity, but was associated with insufficient sleep at age 14; however, the amount of smartphone use was associated with higher odds of all 3 outcomes. Behavioral interventions like limiting smartphone time and keeping smartphones out of bedrooms at night may protect adolescents from potential adverse health outcomes. Findings offer insights to guide caregivers on adolescent smartphone use and inform policies aimed at protecting youth, such as delaying smartphone acquisition until age 13.
Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Ran Barzilay, MD, PhD, email ran.barzilay@pennmedicine.upenn.edu .
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(doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2026.2118)
Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.
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JAMA Pediatrics