In Case You Haven't Heard…

New research has found that smartphones may boost kids' mental health and social ties, The Hill reported April 17. Leading up to the study, researchers from the University of South Florida expected to find negative outcomes tied to smartphone use among children. Instead, they found the devices may not be as damaging to kids' mental health as some believe and could, in fact, be beneficial. Researchers surveyed approximately 1,500 middle school students, ages 11 to 13, asking about their digital use and lives, self-esteem and whether they dealt with anxiety or depression. Children with smartphones said they were more likely to spend time with friends in person and had higher self-esteem. They were also less likely to say they felt depressed — 80% of smartphone owners said they weren't depressed, compared to just 69% of non-owners, according to the data. Researchers also acknowledged that certain activities, particularly posting on social media, were tied to increased anxiety and depression in some children. Researchers said it's not just about how much screen time kids are getting — it's about what they're doing on their phones and how those interactions affect them.