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More than 60% of parents of 12-year-olds say their child has a smartphone; nearly 97% of kids age 13 do. And, according to new research, it turns out those phones are connecting the kids to more than Instagram and TikTok. They're directly hooking them up to depression, obesity and insufficient sleep.

A study in Pediatrics evaluated the impact of smartphone acquisition on more than 10,000 12- and 13-year-olds and saw that it is often a health risk -- leading to lack of physical activity and poor nutritional habits (sit and snack, sit and snack), fueling obsessive late-night scrolling after lights out, and exposing them to all kinds of input that makes them feel bad about themselves or worried about the future. Why would you want to do anything that could contribute to those sources of ill health and unhappiness for your tween or young teen?

When your child is older (you'll have to decide when they're ready for a smartphone) make sure you:

-- Set rules about when and how the phone can be used (at the dinner table, no; after lights out, no; when doing homework, no).

-- Set up an app-by-app approval process.

-- Check in on how they're using the phone and what they say about what they're viewing or hearing.

-- And be a good role model. (Stop staring at your screen when they're around, pay attention to them, and never use it at the dinner table.)

For more info on raising happy, healthy kids, check out my book, "YOU Raising Your Child."

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.