Media devices in pre-school children: the recommendations of the Italian pediatric society

Ital J Pediatr. 2018 Jun 14;44(1):69. doi: 10.1186/s13052-018-0508-7.

Abstract

Background: Young children are too often exposed to mobile devices (MD) and most of them had their own device. The adverse effects of a early and prolonged exposure to digital technology on pre-school children has been described by several studies. Aim of the study is to analyze the consequences of MD exposure in pre-school children.

Methods: We analyzed the documented effects of media exposure on children's mental and physical health.

Results: According to recent studies, MD may interfere with learning, children development, well being, sleep, sight, listening, caregiver-child relationship.

Discussion: Pediatricians should be aware of both the beneficial and side effects of MD and give advice to the families, according to children's age.

Conclusion: In according to literature, the Italian Pediatric Society suggest that the media device exposure in childhood should be modulated by supervisors.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child Development / physiology*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Computers, Handheld / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Guidelines as Topic*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Mass Media / statistics & numerical data
  • Pediatrics*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Societies, Medical
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Television / statistics & numerical data*
  • Time Factors