1 / 7Are you a parent who hands a smartphone to your child when they refuse to listen or throw tantrums while eating? If you believe giving a smartphone is an easy way to make your child finish their food, it’s time to reconsider. A significant and detailed study published in the Pediatrics journal has warned that giving smartphones to children under the age of 12 can pose serious risks to their mental and physical health.2 / 7The study was conducted on more than 10,500 children in the United States, and is now considered the most comprehensive study on children’s brain development. The researchers also studied children who did not have smartphones 12 years ago for comparison.3 / 7The study found that children who got smartphones at the age of less than 12 were more likely to have problems such as depression, obesity, and sleep deprivation.4 / 7Since these children often stayed up late at night, an imbalance was found in their eating and drinking patterns and daily life habits.5 / 7On the contrary, the mental health of children whose parents avoided giving them smartphones was better.6 / 7Based on this study, parents have been urged to take some measures to protect their children’s health. Give smartphones to children as late as possible. Let children use a simple phone, a basic smart watch or a landline.7 / 7Keep children active in activities like sports and exercise. Keep phones out of children's bedrooms at night to prevent them from disrupting their sleep. It is very important for parents to keep a close eye on what their children are watching on their phones.