Research finds smartphone screen exposure may lead to earlier onset of puberty

It is thought that blue light from smartphone and other devices supresses the secretion of melatonin (Peter Byrne/PA)

Blue light from phones and tablets may alter hormone levels and increase the risk of early puberty in children, early research suggests.

It is thought that blue light supresses the secretion of melatonin – a hormone that helps control the sleep cycle and is also associated with delaying the start of puberty in young children.