Excessive mobile phone use at a young age can have detrimental effects on children’s development. Research by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights several concerns. Prolonged screen time can lead to issues such as reduced attention span and impaired cognitive development. For instance, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics (2019) found that increased screen time in young children is associated with lower scores in language and cognitive development tests.

Furthermore, excessive mobile phone use is linked to disrupted sleep patterns. Research published in Sleep Medicine Reviews (2020) indicates that exposure to screens before bedtime can interfere with melatonin production, leading to poor sleep quality and increased risk of sleep disorders. Poor sleep can exacerbate behavioral problems and negatively impact academic performance.

There is evidence suggesting that heavy mobile phone use can contribute to social and emotional issues. A study in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (2018) found that excessive screen time is associated with increased risks of anxiety and depression among adolescents, due to reduced face-to-face interactions and increased exposure to cyberbullying.

Additionally, excessive mobile phone use can impair cognitive development, disrupt sleep, and contribute to mental health issues in children, underscoring the need for balanced screen time management.