Most teens have smartphones; a study finds early use raises concerns
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 03, 2026, 23:00 IST
New research shows most children ages 11 to 12 now have smartphones, which experts consider dangerous, so parents should wait before letting their children use social media, and they need to create new rules about screen time.
TL;DR
The Pew Research Center conducted a survey which showed that most U.S. tweens own smartphones even though experts recommend that they should postpone using this technology. The experts recommend that parents should establish specific boundaries while using alternative communication methods to reduce dangers that come with their children using screens at a young age.
Younger ages now see more U.S. kids getting smartphones earlier than advised by developmental professionals, data shows. Released by the Pew Research Center, results reflect rising unease, not just among carers but also experts, over premature contact with online platforms. Screen engagement grows longer; limits are harder to maintain. Household struggles tighten around consistent rules; tensions build without clear guidance.
A recent study released by the Pew Research Center on October 8 indicates most parents of kids between 11 and 12 years old say their child has a smartphone. Conducted during May, it gathered answers from over three thousand mothers and fathers of youth aged twelve or below. Staying reachable emerged as the primary explanation offered when asked why devices were given. Though various motives exist, communication access stood out across responses.
Even though most kids get smartphones young, some specialists say holding off on social media until sixteen makes sense. Because their minds are still forming, exposure to online risks during these years may be more difficult to handle. Though screens are everywhere now, waiting helps avoid intense interactions before emotional readiness sets in. When pressure builds through likes or comments, younger users often lack tools to process it well. Since development varies widely, timing matters just as much as access. Older teens tend to navigate digital spaces with greater awareness than tweens do. While connection feels immediate, consequences unfold slowly behind the scenes. Experiences shared online rarely show full context, which complicates understanding. Without mature judgement, reactions can become overwhelming without warning. As skills grow over time, so does resilience against negative influences.
Early exposure to screens emerges clearly in the data. Most parents report their kids viewing YouTube, an increase especially among those with infants under age two since 2020. Such patterns reveal the quiet integration of digital tools into daily routines.
Unexpectedly high levels of technology engagement among children appear in recent data, extending even to the very young, according to Colleen McClain. As principal investigator and senior analyst at the Pew Research Center, she notes one detail stands out: digital screens enter children's lives remarkably early. Although common, the timing still draws attention.
Even though concerns were common among parents, challenges in overseeing screen habits came up often. For eight out of ten families, balancing device use matters every day; however, nearly half of those with kids between 8 and 12 admitted their approach could improve. Rules exist in most homes; still, consistent follow-through happens rarely, with just under one in five sticking to them without fail. Despite clear intentions, actions do not always match. Enforcement gaps appear widespread, even where guidelines are set.
Most parents viewed social media with concern. The survey revealed that eight out of ten believed its risks surpassed any advantages for kids.
One way to remain in touch might involve simple cellphones, those handling only voice calls or messaging. Devices like wearables offer another path, supporting contact plus real-time positioning data. According to analysts, stepping away from internet-enabled gadgets limits moments spent on social networks. Such spaces sometimes expose young users to disturbing content. Interaction risks also drop when access narrows. Fewer features often mean fewer chances for trouble to start. Guidance points toward tools built around control, not convenience. Limiting functions shapes how kids engage beyond the home. Some professionals stress simplicity as a form of protection. Communication remains possible, just framed differently. Safety gains come through deliberate design choices, not chance. Not every device needs to do everything well.
Fear of exclusion shapes many choices. Social separation becomes a concern when devices arrive late. Agreement among adults sometimes forms through quiet alignment, not rules. Shared timing appears where trust already exists.
Based in New York, Lauren Tetenbaum practises psychotherapy with a focus on parenting; she is also raising two young students. Agreements made together may reduce stress within households, according to her view. Input from children matters when shaping practical guidelines, one point she underlined. Rules tend to last longer once those affected help shape them, was her observation during written responses. Her perspective emerged through messages exchanged remotely.
What parents do holds weight, specialists note. When screen time is set by example, like putting phones aside at dinner, it quietly shapes how kids respond. Behaviour seen at home often becomes their own.
Although the Pew study used information provided by parents instead of children themselves, experts noted it points toward a reevaluation of household tech habits. Even as smartphone ownership rises, professionals maintain that measured boundaries, along with steady guidelines, may lower potential harms tied to frequent or early digital exposure.
The Pew Research Center conducted a survey which showed that most U.S. tweens own smartphones even though experts recommend that they should postpone using this technology. The experts recommend that parents should establish specific boundaries while using alternative communication methods to reduce dangers that come with their children using screens at a young age.
Younger ages now see more U.S. kids getting smartphones earlier than advised by developmental professionals, data shows. Released by the Pew Research Center, results reflect rising unease, not just among carers but also experts, over premature contact with online platforms. Screen engagement grows longer; limits are harder to maintain. Household struggles tighten around consistent rules; tensions build without clear guidance.
A recent study released by the Pew Research Center on October 8 indicates most parents of kids between 11 and 12 years old say their child has a smartphone. Conducted during May, it gathered answers from over three thousand mothers and fathers of youth aged twelve or below. Staying reachable emerged as the primary explanation offered when asked why devices were given. Though various motives exist, communication access stood out across responses.
Even though most kids get smartphones young, some specialists say holding off on social media until sixteen makes sense. Because their minds are still forming, exposure to online risks during these years may be more difficult to handle. Though screens are everywhere now, waiting helps avoid intense interactions before emotional readiness sets in. When pressure builds through likes or comments, younger users often lack tools to process it well. Since development varies widely, timing matters just as much as access. Older teens tend to navigate digital spaces with greater awareness than tweens do. While connection feels immediate, consequences unfold slowly behind the scenes. Experiences shared online rarely show full context, which complicates understanding. Without mature judgement, reactions can become overwhelming without warning. As skills grow over time, so does resilience against negative influences.
Early exposure to screens emerges clearly in the data. Most parents report their kids viewing YouTube, an increase especially among those with infants under age two since 2020. Such patterns reveal the quiet integration of digital tools into daily routines.
Unexpectedly high levels of technology engagement among children appear in recent data, extending even to the very young, according to Colleen McClain. As principal investigator and senior analyst at the Pew Research Center, she notes one detail stands out: digital screens enter children's lives remarkably early. Although common, the timing still draws attention.
Even though concerns were common among parents, challenges in overseeing screen habits came up often. For eight out of ten families, balancing device use matters every day; however, nearly half of those with kids between 8 and 12 admitted their approach could improve. Rules exist in most homes; still, consistent follow-through happens rarely, with just under one in five sticking to them without fail. Despite clear intentions, actions do not always match. Enforcement gaps appear widespread, even where guidelines are set.
Most parents viewed social media with concern. The survey revealed that eight out of ten believed its risks surpassed any advantages for kids.
One way to remain in touch might involve simple cellphones, those handling only voice calls or messaging. Devices like wearables offer another path, supporting contact plus real-time positioning data. According to analysts, stepping away from internet-enabled gadgets limits moments spent on social networks. Such spaces sometimes expose young users to disturbing content. Interaction risks also drop when access narrows. Fewer features often mean fewer chances for trouble to start. Guidance points toward tools built around control, not convenience. Limiting functions shapes how kids engage beyond the home. Some professionals stress simplicity as a form of protection. Communication remains possible, just framed differently. Safety gains come through deliberate design choices, not chance. Not every device needs to do everything well.
Fear of exclusion shapes many choices. Social separation becomes a concern when devices arrive late. Agreement among adults sometimes forms through quiet alignment, not rules. Shared timing appears where trust already exists.
Based in New York, Lauren Tetenbaum practises psychotherapy with a focus on parenting; she is also raising two young students. Agreements made together may reduce stress within households, according to her view. Input from children matters when shaping practical guidelines, one point she underlined. Rules tend to last longer once those affected help shape them, was her observation during written responses. Her perspective emerged through messages exchanged remotely.
What parents do holds weight, specialists note. When screen time is set by example, like putting phones aside at dinner, it quietly shapes how kids respond. Behaviour seen at home often becomes their own.
Although the Pew study used information provided by parents instead of children themselves, experts noted it points toward a reevaluation of household tech habits. Even as smartphone ownership rises, professionals maintain that measured boundaries, along with steady guidelines, may lower potential harms tied to frequent or early digital exposure.