Parents, BE CAREFUL! Excessive use of phones before the age of 13 changes the structure of…

The General Assembly of Pediatrics in Italy raises the alarm: excessive and early use of smart devices among children aged 3 to 5 changes brain structure, causing problems with development and memory.

Young children’s interaction with the digital world smartphones, tablets is more than fascination; it is almost an addiction that leads to “emotional pacification” when adults give their little ones a device to keep them calm.

This can cause unexpected harm not only to weight, vision, and social skills, but also to brain structure, which changes in enthusiastic users of technology.

In 2018 and 2019, the Italian Pediatric Association had warned about the risk of children using smart devices before the age of 2, recommending less than one hour per day for ages 2 to 5, and less than two hours for children over 5, all under adult supervision. The issue is now being addressed again, with an alarming tone, regarding “digital children.”

The 2025 General Assembly of Pediatrics presented this concern to the Senate.

Every hour spent in front of a screen increases physical and mental risks. Just half an hour more per day than the average can double the risk of language delay in children under 2, and each additional hour reduces sleep by about 15 minutes in children aged 3 to 5.

More than 50 extra minutes per day is associated with a higher risk of pediatric hypertension. Even among children aged 3 to 6, this is linked to a greater risk of being overweight.

How digital technology changes the brain

During the early years of life, children’s brains develop through real-world experiences, play, relationships, and language. Early and prolonged use of digital devices can interfere with these processes, altering attention and self-regulation mechanisms.

Neuroimaging studies of children aged 3 to 5 who spent significant time on digital devices showed changes in brain areas related to attention and comprehension. Specifically, the cerebral cortex showed reduced thickness in regions associated with language, attention, and memory, leading to less mature development of these functions. If a child has difficulties in language or math, changes in brain structure may not be immediately visible but can affect memory or reading-writing skills.

Eye health

Prolonged use of devices harms the visual health of children and adolescents. Studies confirm increased eye strain, tension, and the risk of accommodative strabismus in young children.

Extended exposure can reduce blink rate, causing dryness and eye irritation. This also increases the risk of myopia and eye strain.

Digital addictions

There is also addiction and an increase in problematic use of technology: devices are used as a tool to calm crying or to distract and keep young children quiet in a restaurant. All of this can increase dependence on digital stimulation.

According to studies, problematic use is greater when smartphones are allowed before the age of 13. Risk factors include early exposure, excessive time online, lack of rules, isolation, and emotional difficulties.

Protective factors involve parental presence, open dialogue, shared rules, and engaging in activities.

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