Children and Adolescent’s Perception of Media Device Use Consequences

Giulia Spina, Elena Bozzola, Pietro Ferrara, Nicola Zamperini, Francesco Marino, Cinthia Caruso, Livia Antilici and Alberto Villani
Additional contact information
Giulia Spina: The Italian Pediatric Society, via Gioberti 60, 00165 Rome, Italy
Elena Bozzola: The Italian Pediatric Society, via Gioberti 60, 00165 Rome, Italy
Pietro Ferrara: The Italian Pediatric Society, via Gioberti 60, 00165 Rome, Italy
Nicola Zamperini: The Italian Pediatric Society, via Gioberti 60, 00165 Rome, Italy
Francesco Marino: The Italian Pediatric Society, via Gioberti 60, 00165 Rome, Italy
Cinthia Caruso: The Italian Pediatric Society, via Gioberti 60, 00165 Rome, Italy
Livia Antilici: The Italian Pediatric Society, via Gioberti 60, 00165 Rome, Italy
Alberto Villani: The Italian Pediatric Society, via Gioberti 60, 00165 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 6, 1-8

Abstract: Media device (MD) use is increasing worldwide among children. Adolescents and young children spend a lot of time using MD, Internet, and social networks. The age of initial use is getting lower to 12 years old. The aim of this research is to study children’s use and perception of MD. The Italian Paediatric Society (SIP) conducted a Survey on Italian children in collaboration with Skuola.net using an online questionnaire. A total of 10,000 questionnaires were completed. Children admitted they spend more than 3 h (41%), more than 2 h (29%), more than 1 h (21%) and less than 1 h (9%) daily. Problematic MD use has been found with children using MD before sleeping (38%), during school (24%), and at wake up in the morning (21%). Addiction was documented in 14% of adolescents. Among the reported consequences, low academic outcomes, and reduced concentration (24%), neck and back pain (12%), insomnia (10%), and mood disturbances (7%) were referred. Adolescents may have a low perception of the risks related to excessive MD. The duration of time spent using media devices is a main risk factor. In this context, parents should strongly discourage excessive MD use, mainly during school, at bedtime, and wake-up. Additionally, parents should be informed and start conversations with their children on the potential negative effects of prolonged MD use.

Keywords: social media; children; adolescents; social network (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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