A recent study tracking children’s digital media use and its long-term impact has revealed surprising findings.

“The most unexpected result was that smartphones may actually have benefits for children,” said Dr. Justin D. Martin, lead researcher and Eleanor Poynter Jamison Chair of Media Ethics and Press Policy at the University of South Florida.

According to the 2025 Life in Media Survey, which examined over 1,500 Florida children aged 11 to 13, kids who own smartphones tend to be more sociable than those who don’t. They are more likely to meet friends in person and less likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Key Findings:

• Smartphone Ownership and Wellbeing: Children with their own smartphones scored better on nearly every measure of wellbeing, reporting lower levels of anxiety and depression while spending more time socializing in person.
  
• Early Phone Adoption: Efforts to limit digital media use among children have had little success—over 70% of 11-year-olds surveyed already own a smartphone, many receiving one by age 8.
  
• Social Media Risks: Posting publicly on social media was linked to negative outcomes. Children who frequently post were twice as likely to experience moderate or severe depression (54% vs. 25%) and anxiety (50% vs. 24%), along with sleep disturbances.
  
• Cyberbullying Impact: Even minor incidents of online bullying, such as name-calling, were associated with serious emotional effects. Nearly 60% of respondents reported experiencing cyberbullying in the past three months. These children were significantly more likely to struggle with depression (32% vs. 11%), anger issues (36% vs. 10%), and difficulty reducing screen time (64% vs. 45%).

Dr. Martin emphasized the risks of frequent social media use: “Kids who post often on social media report higher anxiety levels, lower self-esteem, and more sleep deprivation.”

Expert Recommendations:

• Smartphones for Tweens: Allowing children as young as 11 to have their own smartphone may be beneficial.
  
• Monitor Social Media Use: Parents should discourage young children from posting publicly and remain vigilant for signs of cyberbullying.
  
• No Phones in Bed: One in four kids surveyed sleep with their phone in hand or in bed, leading to reduced sleep (8.6 vs. 9.3 hours on average). Keeping phones out of the bedroom improves rest.
  

“It’s not simply owning a smartphone that impacts wellbeing—it’s how kids use them and how well they regulate their screen time,” said Dr. Wendy Rote, USF Associate Professor of Psychology.

This research is part of a 25-year study following children into adulthood to assess the long-term effects of digital media use. The next phase will expand to survey 8,000 adolescents nationwide.

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