According to a study conducted in the United States, children typically receive their first cell phone at the age of six. It is always a matter of concern about mobile phones and their impact on children and youngsters with their mental health. There is both positive and negative impact of using mobile phone in mental health matters. It should be noted that the impact depends from person to person along with other factors such as age, frequency of use, and the reason for using it. In this article, we will discuss the impact of mobile phones in children’s mental behavior.

Positive effects of using mobile phones

Social Life

Mobile phones help children in getting connected with their family and friends eliminating the loneliness in their life which results in positive mental wellness of their life.

Educational content

There are many free resources producing educational content which helps in learning various subjects in simple and easy manner and also in clearing the concepts that they do not understand.

Learning technical skills

Children's technical skills can be developed with the use of mobile phones. For example, children have started to learn coding in a very early stages and mobile phones help in making a strong foundation for their career at a very beginning of their life.

Support and information

With the internet at their fingertips, people can look up for facts, find answers to questions and explore various topics of interest. This encourages curiosity and independent learning. Children have the access to explore subjects outside the school curriculum for improving their knowledge.

Convenience and safety

Parents or elders have easy access in reaching their children with the use of mobile phones.
Additionally there are mobile tracking apps that keep the children under control. In fact a study showed that 31% parents buy mobile phones and gadgets for security reasons.

Creativity

Many apps also allow kids to create their own music, design digital artwork, or write stories. These creative outlets help children develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for the arts. It can also be a source of personal pride when they share their creations with others.

Organization skills

Calendar apps, reminders, and to-do lists can help kids manage their schedules, keep track of homework assignments, and remember important events. As children get older, these organizational tools can also help them with their academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and other commitments.

Negative effects of using mobile phones

Screen Addiction

Screen addiction in children leads to compulsive device use, limiting focus on studies, outdoor play, and real-world interactions. It disrupts healthy habits and creates dependency on digital entertainment.

Cyber bullying

Cyber bullying involves online harassment through messages, social media, or games. It can damage a child’s self-esteem, causes anxiety, and lead to isolation, often without parents realizing it’s happening.

Inactive Physically

Excessive mobile use reduces physical activity, leading to inactive habits. Children may gain weight, lose muscle tone, and develop poor posture, which can affect overall health and development over time.

Disturbances in Sleep

Children who use screens late at night have trouble falling asleep because it interferes with the creation of melatonin. Poor sleep quality impacts concentration, mood, and academic performance, affecting overall growth and brain health.

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

FOMO causes anxiety in children who constantly check phones to stay updated. It leads to restlessness, distraction from schoolwork, and emotional stress when feeling excluded from social events online.

Comparison

Children often compare their lives with others on social media, leading to insecurity and low self-worth. Seeing edited, idealized images can distort self-image and contribute to mental health struggles.

Reduced Social Interactions

Spending more time on phones limits face-to-face communication. Children may struggle with social cues, empathy, and relationship-building, leading to loneliness and weaker social skills in real-world environments.

Privacy Concerns

Children may unknowingly share personal information like the debit card details online, exposing themselves to risks like identity theft or online predators. Without awareness, privacy violations can lead to serious long-term consequences for safety.

Conclusion

There are many ways of using mobile phones in a healthy way and not every child will undergo such negative effects. Parents and care givers are responsible in playing an important role in helping children navigating through the digital world. Open communication and boundaries setting is important for making children aware of the negative side effects.

It is also advised to seek professional assistance if there are concerns about how using a cell phone may be hurting one's mental health. With the right guidance, mobile phones can be a positive influence on children’s development preparing them for a technology driven future.

References
Should kids have cell phones? Pros and cons - netivist

https://compass-uk.org/services/compass-changing-lives/online-resources/what-effects-do-mobile-phones-have-on-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health/

https://innohealthmagazine.com/2019/well-being/effects-mobile-phones/