September 2026. Volume 22. Number 3

Mobile phone ownership in early adolescence is associated with a higher risk of depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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AVC | Critically appraised articles

Barzilay R, Pimentel SD, Tran KT, Visoki E, Pagliaccio D, Auerbach RP. Smartphone Ownership, Age of Smartphone Acquisition, and Health Outcomes in Early Adolescence. Pediatrics. 2026;157:e2025072941.

Reviewers: Moreno Sánchez A1, Martínez Rubio MV2.
1Pediatra. CS de Leitza. Navarra. España.
2Pediatra. CS Los Fresnos. Madrid. Torrejón de Ardoz. España.
Correspondence: Amelia Moreno Sánchez. Email: ameliamorenosanchez111@gmail.com
Reception date: 16/07/2026
Acceptance date: 28/07/2026
Publication date: 09/09/2026

Abstract

Authors’ conclusions: smartphone ownership is associated with depression, obesity, and insufficient sleep in early adolescence, and this influence is greater the younger the user is. This should give parents and authorities pause for thought.

Reviewers´ commentary: early smartphone ownership in adolescents is associated with a higher probability of obesity, depression, and insufficient sleep, although the study does not establish a causal relationship. Despite its limitations, the longitudinal design, large sample size, adjustment for confounding factors, and specially the longitudinal analysis —methodologically the most robust, as it adjusts for baseline status of the outcome— strengthen the validity of the findings. These results support the need to reflect on the appropriate age for smartphone acquisition and to promote supervision and digital education strategies in clinical practice.

How to cite this article

Moreno Sánchez A, Martínez Rubio V. Poseer teléfono móvil en la adolescencia temprana se asocia con mayor riesgo de depresión, obesidad y sueño insuficiente. Evid Pediatr. 2026;22:29.

AVC | Critically appraised articles

Barzilay R, Pimentel SD, Tran KT, Visoki E, Pagliaccio D, Auerbach RP. Smartphone Ownership, Age of Smartphone Acquisition, and Health Outcomes in Early Adolescence. Pediatrics. 2026;157:e2025072941.

Reviewers: Moreno Sánchez A1, Martínez Rubio MV2.
1Pediatra. CS de Leitza. Navarra. España.
2Pediatra. CS Los Fresnos. Madrid. Torrejón de Ardoz. España.
Correspondence: Amelia Moreno Sánchez. Email: ameliamorenosanchez111@gmail.com
Reception date: 16/07/2026
Acceptance date: 28/07/2026
Publication date: 09/09/2026

How to cite this article

Moreno Sánchez A, Martínez Rubio V. Poseer teléfono móvil en la adolescencia temprana se asocia con mayor riesgo de depresión, obesidad y sueño insuficiente. Evid Pediatr. 2026;22:29.

09/09/2026

Linked Comment

Methodological note