
UCSF Study Links Early Smartphone Access to Higher Eating Disorder Symptoms in Teens
A new study of nearly 9,000 US adolescents finds that owning a smartphone at age 12 is associated with a 49% higher risk of reporting eating disorder symptoms by age 14. The research, led by UCSF, highlights that early access to social media may exacerbate body dissatisfaction during puberty. While the study does not prove causation, it suggests that delaying smartphone ownership and supervising digital use could mitigate these risks. By age 14, nearly 24% of early smartphone owners reported at least one symptom, compared to fewer than 16% of non-owners. The findings emphasize the need for parental guidance and clinical screening for digital exposure in teens.













