Smartphone Acquisition and Use at Age 13 Years and Health Outcomes at Age 14 Years

What health outcomes are associated with acquiring a smartphone at age 13 years, and how are these outcomes related to intensity of smartphone use among adolescents who acquire one?In this cohort study of 1959 adolescents, smartphone acquisition at age 13 years was not associated with depression or obesity but was associated with insufficient sleep at age 14 years. Greater overall smartphone use was associated with depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep, and placing the smartphone outside of the bedroom at bedtime was associated with less sleep insufficiency.These results suggest that behavioral interventions, including limiting smartphone use time and placing smartphones outside of the bedroom, may mitigate smartphone use risks for adolescent health.

Corresponding Author: Ran Barzilay, MD, PhD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 34th and Spruce Street, 10th Floor, Gates Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (ran.barzilay@pennmedicine.upenn.edu).

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