Smartphone use, especially among children and teenagers, has several negative cognitive and mental health effects according to research. On average, teenagers spend over 4.5 hours per day on their smartphones and many report feeling addicted. Heavy smartphone use is linked to higher risks of depression and suicide, poorer sleep, and lower school performance. Excessive smartphone use can weaken concentration skills and be detrimental to developing strong social skills and relationships. While smartphones provide convenience, their overuse shapes thoughts in ways that persist even when the devices are not in use and can reduce cognitive abilities over time.