Smartphones, Sleep, and Supporting Healthy Development

Parents and educators are increasingly asking an important question: When is the right time for a child to have a smartphone? New research suggests that delaying access to a smartphone could support well-being.

A recent large-scale study published in Pediatrics followed more than 10,000 children across the U.S. and found that children who had smartphones by age 12 were at higher risk for depression, insufficient sleep, and obesity than peers who received phones later. The younger the child was when they got a phone, the greater the associated risks—especially related to sleep and physical health.

Researchers are careful to note that this study shows association, not direct cause and effect. Still, the findings echo earlier research suggesting that smartphones can quietly crowd out essential protective factors for children: sleep, movement, face-to-face connection, and unstructured time. Early adolescence is a particularly sensitive window for brain and nervous system development, when even small disruptions can have long-term impact.

One area of strong agreement among experts is sleep. Many tweens sleep with devices in their bedrooms, and notifications often interrupt rest. Simply keeping phones out of bedrooms overnight is one small, practical step families can take to support regulation and recovery—even if a child already has a device.

At Yoga 4 Classrooms, we view these findings through a mindfulness and nervous system lens. Mindfulness helps children:

• Notice how their bodies feel when they are overstimulated or overtired

• Build awareness of habits around screens and rest

• Practice pausing before reacting or scrolling

• Strengthen self-regulation and healthy boundaries

Mindfulness does not require eliminating technology. Instead, it invites us to be intentional—to slow down, tune in, and make choices that align with children’s developmental needs. When kids have regular opportunities for mindful breathing, movement, rest, and connection, they are better equipped to navigate the digital world with resilience and awareness.

This research is not about blame or fear. Smartphones are woven into modern life, and every family’s context is different. The key message is simple: age matters, readiness matters, and protection matters. Caregivers are encouraged to trust their instincts, move at a pace that feels supportive, and pair technology with strong foundations for well-being.

Mindfulness reminds us that sometimes the most powerful support we can offer children is not more stimulation—but more space to rest, notice, and grow

Would this information be helpful to share with educators, students, or families at your school? Feel free to forward it on!

With gratitude,
Yoga 4 Classrooms

info@yoga4classrooms.com