Giuseppe Di Mauro, president of the Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics (Sipps) welcomes the bill, whose first signatories are the deputies Rosalba De Giorgi and Lorenzo Fioramonti, which introduces prohibitions and gradualuse of smartphones for children from 0 to 12 years.
“The problem of tablet and smartphone abuse affects 90-95% of Italian children, pre-adolescents and adolescents. The Italian Society of Preventive and Social Pediatrics (Sipps) has been working on this issue for years to raise awareness of children, parents and teachers on the risks of using electronic devices. Our indications have been included in the subsidiaries proposed in Italian schools, but the recommendations do not seem to have been fully implemented, especially by parents. I therefore believe that a law that prohibits the use of these devices from 0 to 3 years, and allows it from 4 to 12 years in a limited way and only in the presence of an adult, can be a further valid tool to raise awareness on the issue. Parents need to understand that limited use is fine for children aged 8 and older, but before that age any use is harmful, ”Di Mauro explains.
As for the pecuniary sanctions, provided for by the bill, for parents who contravene the provisions of the law, the president of Sipps thinks that they are “inappropriate for the times, especially if we consider the current period in which families are burdened by the restrictions of the pandemic, afraid and impoverished. Surely – he reiterates – there must be a more incisive communication campaign and it must be aimed precisely at adults, given that children and young people know more than we do. There are utilities, practical implications and positive uses of electronic tools, but limits must be placed to prevent dependence on these tools from spreading further and worse ”.
Regarding the knowledge of the correct use of smartphones and tablets, Di Mauro adds: “The school already does an important training work on children and young people, who are able to answer the questions that teachers ask them on the subject in the right way. But on time – continues President Sipps – to First Communion parents, grandparents or some uncle give away their smartphone or tablet. It is clear, therefore, that the information and awareness campaign can no longer be aimed only at children and young people, but must also be oriented towards parents so that they understand the risks and possible damages that derive from the wrong and excessive use of electronic devices “.
These tools and the contents on the web are an extraordinary opportunity if used correctly. “Otherwise – explains the pediatrician – they can cause damage to health: for example, the blue light they emit alters sleep by blocking the release of melatonin, resulting in difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings. Guys who sleep badly start the day badly, starting with not wanting to have breakfast. Not to mention the aggression, the hyperactivity, the difficulty in concentrating, up to the violent reactions in case the cell phone is taken away. We must avoid that dependence on these tools continues to spread – reiterates Di Mauro who, in conclusion, is aimed directly at adults – parents, uncles, grandparents do not give tablets and smartphones to first communion “.