South Korean toddlers increasingly using smartphones before age two

Smartphone usage among South Korean toddlers under two years old is rising, according to findings that highlight shifting patterns in early childhood technology exposure across the country.

The report documents a concerning trend of infants gaining access to mobile devices at progressively younger ages. Researchers identified a notable correlation between how frequently mothers use smartphones and the likelihood of their children adopting similar habits during infancy.

The findings underscore broader questions about screen time exposure during critical developmental years. Child development experts have previously cautioned that excessive smartphone use in very young children may impact language acquisition, social interaction, and physical development.

Parental behaviour appears to play a crucial role in establishing device usage patterns. The research suggests that mothers who frequently use smartphones are more inclined to introduce or permit their children to use the devices, creating a cycle of early adoption within households.

The report adds to growing international concern about technology's role in early childhood. As digital device penetration continues to increase across Asia, policymakers and health authorities face mounting pressure to develop guidelines addressing appropriate screen exposure for infants and toddlers.