New research conducted by the University of Milano-Bicocca and SUPSI has confirmed that allowing children to use smartphones at an early age can actually have negative consequences. Contrary to popular belief, early smartphone usage before the age of 12 does not bring any benefits. In fact, the study suggests that it is associated with lower digital skills, higher problematic smartphone use, and can even diminish academic performance.
The research, which used longitudinal data provided by the Italian Institute for the Evaluation of the Education System (INVALSI), analyzed the impact of early smartphone access on a representative sample of 3,247 Italian students in grade 10. The results showed that early smartphone access had a negative association with adolescents’ well-functioning at the age of 16, even after controlling for socio-economic variables. Furthermore, deferring smartphone access until a later age reduced the gender gap in language proficiency, digital skills, and life satisfaction.
A second study examined the role of smartphones in the learning process. It found that those who acquired smartphones at a younger age (10-11 years old) during the transition from primary to lower secondary school did not experience any benefits by the end of lower secondary school. However, students who had intensive media usage habits before owning a smartphone (more than two hours per day of TV and video games) showed a significant negative impact on their Italian language learning.
These findings highlight the importance of delaying smartphone access for children and pre-adolescents. It is crucial for parents and educators to consider the potential negative effects on learning, digital skills, and overall well-being. The researchers recommend further research in this area to better understand the impact of early smartphone use and to develop strategies for promoting healthier device usage among young people.
Ultimately, it is clear that allowing children unrestricted access to smartphones at an early age may not be in their best interest. Parents should carefully consider the potential consequences before handing over a smartphone to their young children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Negative Impact of Early Smartphone Use on Children
1. What does the research conducted by the University of Milano-Bicocca and SUPSI suggest about early smartphone usage by children?
The research suggests that early smartphone usage, before the age of 12, does not bring any benefits and is associated with negative consequences. It can lead to lower digital skills, higher problematic smartphone use, and diminished academic performance.
2. How was the research conducted?
The research analyzed longitudinal data provided by the Italian Institute for the Evaluation of the Education System (INVALSI). It studied the impact of early smartphone access on a representative sample of 3,247 Italian students in grade 10.
3. What were the findings of the research?
The research found that early smartphone access had a negative association with adolescents’ well-functioning at the age of 16, even after considering socio-economic variables. Delaying smartphone access until a later age was shown to lessen the gender gap in language proficiency, digital skills, and life satisfaction.
4. How did the second study examine the role of smartphones in the learning process?
The second study focused on the transition from primary to lower secondary school. It found that acquiring smartphones at a younger age (10-11 years old) during this transition did not provide any benefits by the end of lower secondary school. However, students who had intensive media usage habits before owning a smartphone (more than two hours per day of TV and video games) showed a significant negative impact on their Italian language learning.
5. What are the implications of these findings?
The findings underscore the importance of delaying smartphone access for children and pre-adolescents. Parents and educators need to be aware of the potential negative effects on learning, digital skills, and overall well-being. Further research in this area is recommended to better understand the impact of early smartphone use and to develop strategies for promoting healthier device usage among young people.
Related Links:
University of Milano-Bicocca
SUPSI
The source of the article is from the blog enp.gr