Early smartphone use linked to mental health risks in children under 16
"Allowing children unrestricted access to smartphones or electronic devices is detrimental."
SHAH ALAM – Children face increased risks of mental health issues if exposed to smartphone use too early, specifically before the age of 16.
University of Nottingham Malaysia School of Politics and International Relations Associate Professor Dr Tricia Yeoh said the findings were the result of Jonathan Haidt's reference work.
"There’s a new book by Jonathan Haidt titled The Anxious Generation, which explores the pervasive use of phones and social media. His research, focused on the United States, indicates that widespread technology use is associated with mental health disorders.
"Allowing children unrestricted access to smartphones or electronic devices is detrimental," she added.
Elaborating further, Yeoh recommended that parents introduce children to traditional resources as a way to prevent mental health issues.
She suggested that books were an excellent medium to foster critical and creative thinking.
"At a young age, it’s beneficial to let children start with books rather than relying too much on technology. It should become a cultural norm at an early stage, with technology introduced later to support their growth," she said.
Yeoh also raised questions regarding the role of education in a rapidly digitising world.
She noted that students could now access information on various learning topics directly from the internet.
"This opens up a discussion about the true role of education in a world shifting towards artificial intelligence, ChatGPT and similar technologies.
"What is the role of education when knowledge can be obtained online? Education should drive students towards critical and creative thinking," she added.
