<![CDATA[Purpose - This study aims to examine the development and research trends related to smartphone use among young children through a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications. Design - This study employed a bibliometric approach by analyzing 220 Scopus-indexed journal articles published between 2011–2024 using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. The analysis focused on publication trends, dominant themes, collaboration patterns, and research developments within the field. Findings - The results indicate a significant increase in scientific attention to smartphone use among young children since 2011, particularly within education, psychology, and health-related disciplines. Dominant research themes include screen time, child development, behavioral impacts, and parental mediation. The United States, the United Kingdom, and China were identified as the most productive countries in this research field. Emerging topics such as artificial intelligence and digital learning also indicate the expansion of technology-oriented perspectives in early childhood research. Research implications - The findings provide a structured overview of research developments related to smartphone use in early childhood and may support future studies, educational practices, and policy development concerning children’s digital environments. Originality/value - This study offers a systematic bibliometric perspective on smartphone use in early childhood by mapping publication trends, thematic developments, and collaboration patterns from 2011–2024.]]>
