Early warning signs: a smartphone can mask depression in a teenager

Girls who begin interacting with the digital environment before the age of 11 were particularly vulnerable.

The authors of two independent research papers published in the Journal of Family Psychology and Development and Psychopathology analysed data from more than 11,000 American families with children as young as nine years old. The study continued for ten years.

By the age of 11, researchers had already documented a consistent link between gadget use and increased family tensions. Parents were more likely to get into arguments with their children, criticise them and clash over online behaviour.

"A smartphone given too early is a risk. Parents need to understand that with it comes into the home not just technology, but a challenge: personal boundaries, control, impact on the psyche," explains University of Georgia associate professor Kalsi Kos, co-author of the study.

The relationship between parents and daughters who actively use social networks was particularly aggravated - during this period they begin to emotionally distance themselves from the family and focus on peers, including in the digital space.

Interestingly, video games and watching YouTube videos did not cause similar problems - it was social networks that became the main source of disagreements.

The second study revealed an even more disturbing trend: the earlier a child gets a smartphone, the less inclined they are to share their emotions with their parents, especially at a time when the first manifestations of anxiety and depression are possible.

"The smartphone can create a barrier between parents and children during the most important years. Parents simply don't notice that the child is not feeling well," said Niyantri Ravindran, assistant professor of developmental psychology and project leader.

The results showed that adolescents who received the phone early were more likely to be withdrawn and less likely to talk about their inner state, making it difficult for families or professionals to intervene in a timely manner.

The researchers emphasise that it is almost impossible to completely shield a child from technology today. But delaying the purchase of the first smartphone at least until adolescence is a reasonable measure. It is also important to:

• limit total screen time,

• emphasise live family interaction,

• create an environment where a child can talk about their feelings without fear.

"The family still plays a key role, but teenagers are increasingly looking for support online. Our challenge is to stay in touch with them," concludes the study's lead author Cory Carvalho.