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Use of multimedia devices in pediatric age: risks or advantages? A survey in an Italian center
Ilaria Lazzareschi1, Antonietta Curatola2, Sabrina DE Pascalis3
1Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Children and adolescents face significant risks from multimedia device use. This study highlights the prevalence of device ownership and unsupervised usage, emphasizing the need for education on responsible digital habits.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Digital Health
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Modern children are immersed in a digital environment, facing potential health and safety risks.
- Investigating the usage patterns of multimedia devices among children and adolescents is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the use of multimedia devices in a sample of children and adolescents.
- To identify risks associated with digital device usage in young individuals.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous, age-specific questionnaires were distributed to 500 children/adolescents and 370 parents.
- Data collection occurred between November 2018 and June 2019 at a University Hospital.
Main Results:
- 17.1% of children owned a mobile device, with 54.1% using multimedia devices for 30-60 minutes daily.
- Significant unsupervised usage was reported, with discrepancies between parent and child information.
- Social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are widely used, often during meals, class, and before sleep, contributing to cyberbullying.
Conclusions:
- Multimedia device use presents more risks than benefits for children and adolescents.
- Educating young users on correct and responsible digital device engagement is essential.
Background:
Nowadays children live in a digital world, exposed to relevant risks for their health and safety. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of multimedia devices in a sample of children and adolescents.
Methods:
The study was performed between November 2018 and June 2019 in a third-level University Hospital, recruiting children and adolescents during general or specialistic follow-up visits. Anonymous, age-specific, questionnaires were distributed to 500 children and adolescents and 370 parents.
Results:
Among children, 25 (17.1%) had their own mobile device, of which 84% Italian. The 54.1% of them uses multimedia devices half an hour/an hour per day and many of them (37.5% of Italian and 40% of foreign) use it without their parents' control. Most of adolescents had a mobile phone since the age of 10-12 years old. WhatsApp (Meta Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA) is the most used social network, followed by Instagram and Facebook. The use of multimedia devices was widespread between teenagers during classroom hours, meals and before sleeping and they are an important mean for cyberbullying. In addition, in the 29.9% of cases there is no correspondence between information given by parents and respective sons/daughters.
Conclusions:
This study shows more risks than advantages derived from the use of multimedia devices in children and adolescents. Therefore, it is essential to educate them about their correct and responsible use.
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