New study shows cell phone use among kids has nearly doubled since 2015

HUNTINGTON, Texas (KTRE) - Teenagers and cell phones go together like peanut butter and jelly.

A new study says 53 percent of kids have their own smartphone by the time they turn 11 and by 12 that number jumps to 69 percent.

Findings from Common Sense Media reveal nearly one in five 8-year-olds have their own smartphone.

That ownership has grown substantially over the past four years among all ages, increasing from 24 percent of all 8- to 12-year-olds in 2015 to 41 percent today and jumping from 67 percent to 88 percent among 13- to 18-year-olds.

The study shows habits on phone use vary by gender.

The report says boys enjoy more mobile games versus girls, who enjoy listening to music.

Huntington Middle School Principal William Bosley said their approach to cell phones in the classroom is hand off, focusing more on education.

“Kids can have phones when they get here in the morning but when the school day starts at 7:55 (a.m.) we shut them off,” said Bosley.

Bosley said their policy has evolved as cell phones became more commonplace.

“We used to be with a no phones period policy, we’ve tried to lighten that up a little bit we realize that it’s part of culture now,” Bosley said.

The report studied more than 16,000 students between 8 and 18-years-old.

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