Episode

When is a child ready for their own smartphone?

Podcast
Health Report
Published
Jul 24, 2026
Duration seconds
2618
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/healthreport/kids-smartphone-social-media-mental-health-sleep/106882906
Audio
https://mediacore-live-production.akamaized.net/audio/02/mq/Z/i1.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/health-report-318292/episodes/when-is-a-child-ready-for-their-own-smartphone
Markdown
/podcast/health-report-318292/when-is-a-child-ready-for-their-own-smartphone.md

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Summary

A new study looks at the health benefits of holding off on a child's smartphone by one year. Is there a "best" age to let them have their own device? Despite the lack of subsidies for CGM devices that monitor glucose levels for those with type 2 diabetes, research shows continuous glucose monitoring can be beneficial for those living with the condition. There is now clear evidence that having high blood pressure as a child can influence health outcomes later in life. New clinical guidelines recommend measuring blood pressure twice during childhood and adolescence, beginning at age 7. References Smartphone Acquisition and Use at Age 13 Years and Health Outcomes at Age 14 Years Continuous glucose monitoring versus self-monitoring of blood glucose in individuals with type 2 diabetes: a randomised, multicentre, open-label, superiority trial Diabetes Australia statement Australian Guideline for the Identification and Management of Hypertension in Children and Adolescents Update on access to goserelin 3.6 mg implant Cost of accessing mental health services for young people New England Journal of Medicine: Meningococcal B Vaccine to Prevent Neisseria gonorrhoeae Infection More than 11,500 cyclosporiasis cases reported in 41 states: CDC