Most kids are getting smartphones at much younger ages than many experts recommend, according to new research .

A majority of parents of kids ages 11 to 12 said their child has a smartphone, a Pew Research Center survey published October 8 found. However, many experts, myself included, recommend holding off on allowing kids to use social media — which having a smartphone enables — until age 16.

Related video above: Psychologist on study linking smartphones, kids' mental health

The most-cited reason for letting kids have phones is so parents can get in contact with them, according to the survey conducted in May of over 3,000 parents of children ages 12 and younger.

Smartphones aren't the only thing kids are using at a young age. Overall screen time is also an issue, with 85% of parent

See Full Page