The digital child: A cross‐sectional survey study on the access to electronic devices in paediatrics

Abstract Aim 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.