The use of smartphones by children in prepubescent age leads to obesity, depression, and sleep deprivation. This was reported by UPI, citing a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Within the framework of the study, scientists examined 10,000 individual cases. They distinguished those children who received a smartphone before the age of 12, and those who got their smartphone later, already as teenagers, BTA writes.

Among the youngest participants in the study, scientists observed 31% with an increased risk of depression, 40% with a tendency to obesity. And 62% for whom sleep is likely insufficient, UPI points out.

The study shows better results in children whose access to a smartphone is controlled by their parents. Who have set the limits for when and how much to use the device.

The results of the study were published just a day before the discussion of legislative changes related to the better protection of children in the virtual space. Among these changes is the so-called Child Online Protection Act (Kids Online Safety Act, or KOSA). It was not adopted last year, UPI also recalls.