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Children and Adolescent’s Perception of Media Device Use Consequences

Author

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  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Giulia Spina & Elena Bozzola & Pietro Ferrara & Nicola Zamperini & Francesco Marino & Cinthia Caruso & Livia Antilici & Alberto Villani, 2021. "Children and Adolescent’s Perception of Media Device Use Consequences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-8, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:6:p:3048-:d:517834
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bae, Sung-Man, 2017. "The relationship between the type of smartphone use and smartphone dependence of Korean adolescents: National survey study," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 207-211.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elena Bozzola & Sarah Barni & Andrea Ficari & Alberto Villani, 2023. "Physical Activity in the COVID-19 Era and Its Impact on Adolescents’ Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-11, February.
    2. Loredana Benedetto & Simone Rollo & Anna Cafeo & Gabriella Di Rosa & Rossella Pino & Antonella Gagliano & Eva Germanò & Massimo Ingrassia, 2024. "Emotional and Behavioural Factors Predisposing to Internet Addiction: The Smartphone Distraction among Italian High School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-15, March.
    3. Elena Bozzola & Giulia Spina & Rino Agostiniani & Sarah Barni & Rocco Russo & Elena Scarpato & Antonio Di Mauro & Antonella Vita Di Stefano & Cinthia Caruso & Giovanni Corsello & Annamaria Staiano, 2022. "The Use of Social Media in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review on the Potential Risks," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-33, August.

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