Cambodia is witnessing a surge in children’s smartphone use, raising concerns about its potential effects on their mental health and development. Experts, including psychologist Hoeur Sethul, President of the Cambodia Association for Counsellors and Psychologists (CACP), are urging the government to implement age limits and enforce stricter parental controls. The trend mirrors global efforts to protect young minds in the digital age, as excessive screen time has been linked to various developmental challenges.

Recent research from a U.S. university studying nearly 10,000 children has found that children under the age of two who use smartphones for extended periods are more likely to exhibit signs of autism. While not formally diagnosed, these children demonstrated symptoms such as social, behavioral, and language difficulties, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). Sethul emphasizes that children under two should be completely restricted from phone usage, as early exposure may hinder healthy development.

Sethul also recommends specific time limits for children based on their age. Children under six should be allowed no more than one hour of screen time daily, while those aged six to ten can use phones for up to 1.5 hours, divided into shorter sessions. For children over ten, the limit is between one and two hours, which may include homework. He stresses that guidelines for phone usage should be developed with input from multiple specialists to ensure the well-being of Cambodia's children.

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