When a child under 12 owns a smartphone, it puts them at a higher risk of obesity, disrupted sleep and depression.

A new study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Pediatrics , found that 10,000 adolescents in the United States had severe health concerns linked to early smartphone access going beyond childhood.

Depression, obesity and poor sleep are all known risk factors for life-threatening illnesses, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, which affect millions every year.

The study has also found that young people who acquired a smartphone between the ages of 12 and 13 showed a greater likelihood of mental illness and insufficient sleep by the age of 13 compared to those who did not yet have a device.

These patterns have raised serious questions about how early access to

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