American scientists have once again highlighted the deep connection between modern technologies and the health of the younger generation through another important study. It's no secret that social networks, mobile games, and smartphones rich in various applications have become a part of life. But it is more relevant than ever to determine how these gadgets affect the health of adolescents.
In a comprehensive analysis published in the journal "Pediatrics," the data of 10,588 adolescents, collected from 21 scientific works, were studied. The results showed very serious conclusions: teenagers who started using smartphones regularly from age 12 had a 30 percent tendency to depression, a 40 percent chance of developing excess weight, and a 60 percent chance of insomnia.
Of course, the study does not definitively prove that smartphones were the cause of these problems. However, previous studies have also confirmed this trend: teenagers who are heavily addicted to gadgets move less, have less open communication with friends, and sleep patterns are disrupted in the evening. All of this poses a serious health risk.
Scientists noted another interesting aspect: even in cases where smartphone use is not assessed as "problematic," negative changes in the child manifest early. That is, regardless of how attached a child is to a gadget, the earlier the phone is given, the higher their susceptibility to insomnia or obesity by age 12.
At the same time, the researchers did not have precise information about what teenagers spent on smartphones - games, social networks, or educational platforms. But their opinion is clear: a complete ban on smartphones is not the solution. On the contrary, children and adolescents need the right guidelines, control-based rules, and recommendations for how to use the phone.
Experts suggest conducting more extensive research. According to them, specific rules should be developed regarding the optimal age for giving a smartphone to a child, which types of phones are safer, and which usage standards do not harm health.
In today's fast-paced world, gadgets are unavoidable. But the formation of a culture of their use from childhood remains one of the most important means of protecting the health of future generations.
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