Childhood changes under the weight of increasingly early screens: children who sleep less, talk less and move less, with higher levels of anxiety, irritability and attention difficulties. This is the alarm raised by the Italian Society of Paediatrics (Sip) in the 2025 recommendations, which highlight the risks linked to the prolonged use of smartphones, tablets and social media.
To delve deeper into the topic and offer concrete tools to families and teachers, Ande Cosenza, in collaboration with the “Roberta Lanzino” comprehensive institute, promotes the meeting “Continuously connected. Health at stake?”, scheduled for Tuesday 21 April at 4.30 pm in the parish hall of the church of Sant’Aniello in Cosenza.
The data: language, sleep and obesity
According to Sip, in children under two years of age, every 30 minutes of additional screen time per day doubles the risk of language delay. Between the ages of 3 and 5, one hour of devices can reduce sleep by 15 minutes, while under 13s, even one hour a day increases the risk of overweight and obesity.
89% of adolescents sleep with their cell phones turned on in their bedroom, with negative effects on memory, attention and academic performance. Social risks are also growing: in 2024, cases of cyberbullying increased by 10%, with a peak of 26% between the ages of 10 and 13, while online solicitation involved 374 minors.
Speeches and guests
The meeting will open with greetings from Don Salvatore Fuscaldo, parish priest of Sant’Aniello; Marina Del Sordo, head teacher of the comprehensive institute; Agata Mollica, president of the Cosenza Medical Association; and Giovanna Giulia Bergantin, president of Ande Cosenza.
This will be followed by interventions by experts and doctors, including Rosanna Labonia, Rosaria Nigro and Nunzia Procida. The coordinator will be Agnese Rosella Mollo. There will also be a reading of passages by Annalina Paradiso and the recognition ceremony of honorary Ande member for Agata Mollica.
“An investment in children’s health”
«SIP data tells us that every year earned without digital is an investment in the mental, emotional and cognitive health of children», underlines Bergantin, highlighting the need for a comparison between families and schools.
The meeting is open to the public and aimed at teachers, parents and educational operators.