Nov 19, 2025
3 min read
Rome, November 19 (Adnkronos Health) - Children sleep less, move less, talk less.And they are more worried and alone.This is the invisible cost of digital life, which enters homes and games too soon.And how specific this "price" is in early childhood, recent studies show: 30 minutes more daily use of digital devices can double the risk of speech delay in children under 2 years old;Every additional hour of screen time reduces sleep in children between the ages of 3 and 5 by about 15 minutes.More than 50 minutes of screen time per day is associated with a higher risk of childhood high blood pressure.And obesity appears between the ages of 3 and 6.
The Italian Society of Pediatrics (Sip) revisits children and digitalization, providing updated data and stronger recommendations: every year without digitalization is an investment in the psychological, emotional, cognitive and relational health of children. Today, 19 November 2025, on the occasion of World Children and Adolescent Day, new data and new recommendations developed by the SIP Commission on Digital Addiction were presented in the Senate at the 2025 Pediatric Congress on the topicDigital Kids: An initiative launched by Senator Marco Meloni, it brings together agencies, pediatricians, psychologists, media and digital platforms to think about the opportunities and risks of growth in the digital age and artificial intelligence.
Following the initial proposals in 2018 and 2019, SIP analyzed more than 6,800 studies, including a systematic review of the international literature, which included more than 6,800 studies.SIP president agostiniani explains - the average daily time has increased by 4-6 hours, doubling compared to pre-pandemic levels. This change is even more necessary to update the recommendations that come from it."
Developed by pediatricians, psychologists and experts, the new recommendations, the result of a review of the literature, outline a shared educational way to a balanced and respectful use of development time with children and adolescents.First All:
1. Avoid unsupervised access to the Internet before the age of 13 due to the risk of exposure to inappropriate content.
2. Counting the introduction of a personal smartphone up to 13 years of age to prevent the consequences of emotional, emotional and relational development.
3. Avoid using social media as much as possible, even if permitted by law.
4. Avoid using tools while eating and before going to bed.
5. Encourage outdoor, sports, educational and creative games.
6. Maintain consistent supervision, dialogue and management equipment in all age groups.SIP also recommends that it is important to promote digital -conscious education in schools, while pediatricians should regularly evaluate children's digital practices and provide preventative advice to families. Motivations already published in 2018 have been confirmed: no devices under two, limiting them to less than an hour a day between the ages of 2 and 5, after 2 and 5 years of age.
Children's brains need time, not screens, experts warn. "Children's age is a stage of vulnerability and exceptional growth: the brain continues to form and reorganize throughout childhood and adolescence - Agostiniani specifies -. Early and prolonged digital stimulation can change the regulation of attention, learning and emotions. Postponing the first independent access to a smartphone until 3 years and at least one year old relationships,balance and relationship with children The presence and example of adults is still the first form of digital prevention.
SIP advice is 'smaller, more real experience'.An hour taken away from play, sports and creativity.There is no need to torture the technology, but how to use and use the challenge."
The SIS review found that more time in front of screens is associated with health and cardiovascular risks, cognition, sleep, sleep,
Obesity: according to some studies - highlighted by Sip - under the age of 13, even an exposure of more than an hour a day can be a risk factor, while more than two hours of screen time a day increases the risk of overweight or obesity in adolescents by 67% compared to their peers with lower exposure, also due to the effect of a sedentary lifestyle and digital food marketing.Cognitive Development: Early exposure to digital devices can disrupt learning and language processes.Neuroimaging studies show changes in brain areas involved in attention and understanding.Sleep: 89% of teenagers Mental Health: Intensive device use is linked to anxiety, depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem.Adolescents are especially vulnerable to the consequences of social comparison and the 'fear of missing out'.
Digital indicators: Prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder from 1.7% to 10.7%;The use of smartphone problems - be careful with children addiatricans - affects 20% of young people, who change the brain similar to what is seen with Nicotine indications.It's not all.There is also the issue of vision health: cases of visual fatigue, dry eyes and primary Myopia are increasing, which are aggravated by better visibility.Bullying and online violence also need to be different from young people (+ 26% between 10 and 13 years old) - SIP points - victims have a higher risk of suicide.Exposure to violent or sexually explicit material increases depression and suffering.Finally, Internet sex and early pornography: Perception of Internet pornography is increasing - experts warn - and is linked to the initiation of sexual activity.
So the "7 PS to help you grow", ieSIP recommendations for healthy use of digital technology: 1. Defer digital exposure as much as possible; 2.protect the body and mind to protect cognitive development, vision and sleep; 3.Nog real experiences (games, sports, art, music) to increase empathy; 4.Keeping the central role of the adult, which involves communicating and setting an example through balanced digital behavior; 5.set clear rules, set clear boundaries (no bedroom equipment); 6.Participate in digital education, talk openly about cyberbullying, pornography, violence and digital addiction; 7.Prevent risks and addiction.Technology is a remarkable tool, but it must enter children's lives at the right time when they are mature enough to control them.Families, schools and pediatricians share responsibility with them on this trip.
