South Africa, Sept. 9 -- A global study by Sapien Labs and the Global Mind Project found that the earlier a child gets their own phone or tablet, the more likely they are to face mental health challenges as young adults.

These can include emotional detachment, aggressive behaviour, and even suicidal thoughts, especially among young women.

"Social media is not inherently harmful," says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.

"But when used too much or without the right support, it can have a serious impact on a young person's emotional well-being."

"TikTok is more than just dancing and memes," Hewlett adds.

"For many teens, it's how they connect, share, and express themselves. That's why it's so important to understand both the positi...