New guidelines from Italian paediatricians: 'No smartphones until the age of 13 and social media from the age of 18'

Avoiding unsupervised access to the Internet before the age of 13 due to the risks of exposure to inappropriate content; postponing the introduction of personal smartphones at least until the age of 13 to prevent consequences on cognitive, emotional and relational development; delaying the use of social media as much as possible, ideally until the age of 18, even if permitted by law; avoiding the use of devices during meals and before going to bed; incentivising outdoor activities, sports, reading and creative play; keeping supervision, dialogue and monitoring tools constant in all age groups. Here are the up-to-date tips and good practices on the use of digital devices indicated by paediatricians who sound the alarm about the risks and harms for children and adolescents. "Every extra year without a smartphone is an investment in children's health," stressed Rino Agostiniani, president of the Italian Society of Paediatrics

Some of the neologisms of the digital era - such as 'smombie', which derives from 'smartphone' and 'zombie', and 'brexting', texting while breastfeeding - are the starting point for the considerations of the Italian Society of Paediatrics (Sip) on the use of digital devices and artificial intelligence by the youngest children, illustrated during the General States of Paediatrics, an event organised in the Senate on the initiative of Senator Marco Meloni. During the discussion, updated recommendations were presented for families, schools and paediatricians to mitigate the impact of digital technology in the lives of children and adolescents, which exposes them to the risk of obesity, cardiovascular problems, digital addictions, cognitive development problems, sleep, mental health, and eyesight, as well as cyberbullying and the dangers of online grooming. "In children under the age of 13, excessive screen time is associated with language delays, decreased attention span and worsening sleep. In adolescents, we see anxiety, isolation, addiction to social networks and loss of self-esteem growing", explains Elena Bozzola, coordinator of the Sip Digital Addictions Commission: "Every hour spent in front of a screen is an hour taken away from play, sport, creativity. There is no need to demonise technology, but to teach how to use it with measure and awareness. More real experiences, less unsupervised digital: this is the real educational challenge today'.

According to some studies, under the age of 13, even exposure of more than one hour a day can be a risk factor, while more than two hours a day of screen time increases the risk of overweight or obesity in adolescents by 67% compared to peers with less exposure, also due to sedentary lifestyle and digital food marketing. With regard to cognitive development, early exposure to digital devices can interfere with learning and language processes. Neuroimaging studies show changes in brain areas related to attention and comprehension. And then the impact on sleep and mental health: 89% of adolescents sleep with their mobile phone in their room, promoting chronic sleep deprivation. Intensive use of devices is correlated with anxiety, depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem. Teenage girls are more vulnerable to the effects of social comparison and 'Fear of Missing Out'. And then there are digital addictions: the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder ranges from 1.7 to 10.7 per cent; problematic smartphone use affects up to 20 per cent of young people, with brain changes similar to those observed in nicotine addictions.

Among other damages are those to visual health as cases of visual fatigue, dry eyes and early myopia are increasing, aggravated by poor exposure to natural light. Cyberbullying and online violence are also on the rise, even among the youngest children (+26% between 10 and 13 years of age). Victims are at three times the risk of suicidal ideation. Exposure to violent or sexually explicit content increases aggression and emotional distress. Finally, the issue of online sexuality and pornography: early exposure to online pornography is increasing and is associated with risky sexual behaviour. "Every extra year without a smartphone is an investment in a child's health," emphasised Agostiniani, president of the Sip. "The paediatric age is a phase of extraordinary vulnerability and growth: the brain continues to form and reorganise itself throughout childhood and adolescence. Early and prolonged digital stimulation can alter attention, learning and emotional regulation'. 'The theme of the digital child was chosen by the Childhood and Adolescence Commission to mark World Childhood and Adolescence Day, which is celebrated on, 20 November,' explained Gianfranco Costanzo, head of the Department for Family Policies at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. 'On educating children and parents on the conscious use of technology, the Ministry of the Family is carrying out several initiatives, with the aim of encouraging a critical and aware use.