“The incidence of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents has undergone exponential growth in recent years, with a drastic increase of 40% seen since 2013. The pandemic has further amplified this trend, leading to a significant increase in pediatric psychiatric consultations,” he said Stefano Vicarichild neuropsychiatrist and head of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry at the Bambin Gesù hospital in Rome. In 2013, the Bambin Gesù emergency room in Rome recorded around 200 consultations of neuropsychiatry per year; in 2019, this number rose above one thousand. During the pandemic, there was a further increase in 1,860 annual consultations. In this terrible escalation also the digital he did his part. But how?
Becoming digital parents
Eating disorders: “Social media is not the cause, but a huge risk factor”
by Giulia Cimpanelli
“Since 2013 the price of smartphones has collapsed and the mobile phone has become the perfect gift for first communion. This paved the way for a broad exposure of children and adolescents to digitalwith significant consequences on their mental well-being.”
So has increasing access to digital devices contributed to this trend of increasing psychiatric disorders in young people?
“Exactly. Excessive use of digital devices can negatively affect the cognitive and emotional development of children and adolescents. It is important to understand that uncontrolled and unguided use of digital devices can have significant consequences on the development and well-being of children.”
Becoming digital parents
Daniele Novara, pedagogist: “Six rules to protect children from smartphone addiction”
by Giulia Cimpanelli
What are the specific risks related to the improper use of technology?
“One of the main ones is the dependence from digital devices, which can have effects similar to those of substance addictions. Children may develop a frantic search for the device, aggressive reactions when the device is not available and a decrease in time dedicated to other activities important for development, such as social interaction and real-world exploration. Children spend up to 6 hours a day using a device, imagine what effect this can have on a changing brain, also because they are hours away from doing something else.”
What do social media and video games have to do with adolescent malaise
by Riccardo Luna
What are the signs parents should look for to understand if their child is developing an addiction to digital devices?
“Signs of digital device addiction may include a frantic research Of the device, aggressive reactions when the device is unavailable and a increase in time spent online to the detriment of other important activities. If parents notice these behaviors in their child, it is important to seek help from experienced mental health professionals.
How can parents healthily manage their children’s use of digital devices?
“Is critical establish clear rules on the use of digital devices, limit time spent online and promote healthy and stimulating alternatives, such as outdoor activities, reading and creative games. Furthermore, it is important provide a good digital behavior model to their children, also limiting its use devices and actively participating in offline activities with the family.
So let’s ban smartphones for teachers and parents, please
by Riccardo Luna
For example, it would be appropriate prohibit the use of devices during meals and never use them to manage frustration, as consolation, because in this way we take away their ability to manage emotions. It is also important to recognize when the use of devices is interfering with moments of relationship that are important for the child’s growth. In general, before the age of 2, screens, including TV, should be prohibited, before the age of 5 never turn on the TV and choose programs independently and before the age of 12 it is not recommended to access social media and the internet independently.
Becoming Digital Parents
Story of Samara, victim of cyberbullying: “This is how I got out of it”
by Giulia Cimpanelli
#Vicari #Addiction #devices #addiction #drugs
– 2024-04-01 10:32:49
