Media devices in pre-school children: the recommendations of the Italian pediatric society.

Background: Young children are too often exposed to mobile devices (MD) and most of them had their own device. The adverse effects of a early and prolonged exposure to digital technology on pre-school children has been described by several studies. Aim of the study is to analyze the consequences of MD exposure in pre-school children.

Methods: We analyzed the documented effects of media exposure on children's mental and physical health.

Results: According to recent studies, MD may interfere with learning, children development, well being, sleep, sight, listening, caregiver-child relationship.

Discussion: Pediatricians should be aware of both the beneficial and side effects of MD and give advice to the families, according to children's age.

Conclusion: In according to literature, the Italian Pediatric Society suggest that the media device exposure in childhood should be modulated by supervisors.