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The digital child: A cross-sectional survey study on the access to electronic devices in paediatrics
Giovanni Cerimoniale1, Irene Dalpiaz2, Paolo Becherucci1
1Italian Society of Paediatric Primary Care, National Board of Directors, Milan, Italy.
Insights
Lack of smartphone rules increases cyberbullying risk in children. Pediatricians can guide families toward safer electronic device use and prevent online harm.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Digital Health
Background:
- Electronic device use is pervasive among children.
- Understanding risks associated with smartphone ownership and cyberbullying is crucial for child well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electronic device usage patterns in children.
- To identify risk factors for smartphone ownership and cyberbullying among children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey involving 62 Italian pediatricians.
- Questionnaires administered to 1732 parents/caregivers, collecting data on 2563 children aged 0-14 years.
Main Results:
- Mothers used smartphones during feeding in 72.5% of infants (0-1 year).
- Smartphone ownership reached 29.5% in children aged 2-14 years (68.1% in 10-14 years).
- Higher parental education was protective against child smartphone ownership; absence of smartphone use restrictions significantly increased cyberbullying risk (OR 11.92).
Conclusions:
- Absence of rules for smartphone use is a significant risk factor for cyberbullying.
- General pediatricians can play a vital role in promoting safer electronic device habits among children and families.
Aim:
To explore the use of electronic devices in children and possible risk factors for smartphone ownership and cyberbullying.
Methods:
A cross-sectional survey study was conducted involving 62 Italian general paediatricians who administered a close-ended questionnaire about the use of electronic devices to 1732 parents/caregivers.
Results:
Data of 2563 children aged 0-14 years were collected. Investigating the electronic device use by parents/caregivers of children aged 0-1 years, 72.5% of mothers were revealed to have the habit to use a smartphone during breastfeeding and bottle-feeding. The ownership of a smartphone was found in 29.5% of children aged 2-14 years, 68.1% considering only children aged 10-14. A higher parental degree level was identified as a protective factor for smartphone ownership by children (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36-0.98; p = 0.04 for father; OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.33-0.78; p = 0.002 for mother). A higher risk of cyberbullying was found when caregivers did not use any restrictions on smartphone use (OR 11.92; 95% CI 3.41-41.68; p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
The absence of rules for smartphone use represents a risk factor for cyberbullying. In this context, the general paediatrician might play an important role in helping parents/caregivers and their children adopt safer use of electronic devices.
