Smartphone ownership linked to eating symptoms

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that children who owned a smartphone at age 12 had a higher risk of showing food-related symptoms two years later. The research involved thousands of American adolescents and used clinical interviews to record symptoms as yes or no responses.

Higher risk for specific eating disorders

At age 14, early smartphone owners had a 49 percent higher risk of showing at least one symptom. The risk was even higher for bulimic hyperphagia, a disorder involving loss of control over eating, and for behaviors aimed at compensating for eating, such as vomiting or excessive exercise.

Self-esteem and weight concerns most strongly linked

The strongest link found in the study was between smartphone ownership and self-esteem indexed on weight. This connection may be influenced by social networks, which smartphones provide access to. However, the study did not test other possible factors like sleep changes or exposure to edited images.

Limitations and gender differences

Some of the associations between smartphone use and symptoms weakened when other factors were considered. The symptoms were self-reported rather than diagnosed medically. Additionally, the fear of gaining weight was significant only among girls in the study.

Parental guidance emphasized

The researchers do not recommend a specific age for getting a smartphone but stress the importance of parental guidance when introducing the device. They note that more data are needed before firm recommendations can be made. In France, a similar issue arises as middle school often marks the arrival of the first personal device.

Ongoing research and policy context

The American study continues to follow the adolescents, with planned measurements up to age 17. In France, mobile phones are banned in schools and middle schools since 2018, but there is no official age for receiving a personal device.