Study: smartphones may benefit kids, but cyberbullying and mental health still serious risks

A new study from the University of South Florida offers a fresh perspective on kids and smartphones—one that might surprise parents and educators.

The Life in Media survey, conducted by a cross-disciplinary USF research team, surveyed more than 1,500 Florida middle schoolers ages 11 to 13 to better understand how digital media use impacts their wellbeing.

While concerns over screen time are widespread, the study found that smartphone ownership itself wasn’t harmful—in fact, it may offer real benefits.

Key findings:

– Smartphone owners fared better than those without one on nearly every measure of wellbeing: they were less likely to report symptoms of depression or anxiety, and more likely to feel confident and spend time with friends in person.

– Despite efforts to delay phone access, more than 70% of 11-year-olds surveyed already own a smartphone, with many receiving them by age 8½.

– Posting publicly on social media was linked to significant mental health risks. Kids who posted often were more than twice as likely to report moderate or severe anxiety and depression compared to those who rarely or never post.

– Cyberbullying is alarmingly common. Nearly 60% of respondents experienced at least one form of online bullying in the past 3 months—such as being called hurtful names. Those children reported higher rates of depression, anger, and trouble disengaging from technology.

– Sleep suffers when phones stay in bed. One in four kids sleep with their phone in bed or in their hands. Those who did got nearly an hour less sleep on average than those who kept phones in another room.

Recommendations:

– Letting kids have a smartphone around age 11 may be not only safe—but helpful.

– Public social media posting should be discouraged for younger children.

– Parents should be alert to even mild signs of cyberbullying, as even small incidents can impact mental health.

– Keep phones out of the bedroom to encourage better sleep habits.

USF’s research team says these results are just the beginning. The findings will inform a 25-year nationwide study that will follow 8,000 kids through adulthood—tracking the long-term effects of digital media on everything from attention span to mental health, sociability, and even eyesight.

To read the full USF study and methodology, click here.