In:
Acta Paediatrica, Wiley, Vol. 112, No. 8 ( 2023-08), p. 1792-1803
Abstract:
To explore the use of electronic devices in children and possible risk factors for smartphone ownership and cyberbullying. Methods A cross‐sectional survey study was conducted involving 62 Italian general paediatricians who administered a close‐ended questionnaire about the use of electronic devices to 1732 parents/caregivers. Results Data of 2563 children aged 0–14 years were collected. Investigating the electronic device use by parents/caregivers of children aged 0–1 years, 72.5% of mothers were revealed to have the habit to use a smartphone during breastfeeding and bottle‐feeding. The ownership of a smartphone was found in 29.5% of children aged 2–14 years, 68.1% considering only children aged 10–14. A higher parental degree level was identified as a protective factor for smartphone ownership by children (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36–0.98; p = 0.04 for father; OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.33–0.78; p = 0.002 for mother). A higher risk of cyberbullying was found when caregivers did not use any restrictions on smartphone use (OR 11.92; 95% CI 3.41–41.68; p 〈 0.001). Conclusion The absence of rules for smartphone use represents a risk factor for cyberbullying. In this context, the general paediatrician might play an important role in helping parents/caregivers and their children adopt safer use of electronic devices.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0803-5253
,
1651-2227
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2023
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1492629-5
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1501466-6
