A recent study by US-based Sapien Labs, published in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities, has confirmed a significant link between owning a smartphone in childhood and experiencing poorer mental health in early adulthood. – TimesLive (22 July 2025)
Researchers’ data from over 100,000 young adults aged 18 to 24 across 71 countries found that young adults who received their first smartphone at age 12 or younger were significantly more likely to report distressing symptoms. These included suicidal thoughts, aggression, a sense of detachment from reality, difficulties with emotional regulation, and low self-worth.
According to a SA survey 62% of children have access to smartphones by age 10; 83% have social media accounts by age 12; and 67% report experiencing stranger contact or cyberbullying online,