Digital Health in Early Childhood: A Cross-Sectional Study of Pediatricians' Knowledge, Practices, and Training Needs in Northern Italy.

ABSTRACT: Background: Digital devices (DDs) are increasingly present in early childhood, with screen exposure beginning as early as infancy. Despite international and national guidelines discouraging digital media use before age two, many children are exposed to screens far earlier, often mediated by parents and caregivers. Excessive or unregulated screen use has been linked to adverse neurodevelopmental, emotional, and physical outcomes. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and educational needs of primary care pediatricians (PCPs) regarding digital education (DE) and DD use in preschool-aged children (0-6 years) in two provinces of Northern Italy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to all 165 PCPs in the Modena and Reggio Emilia provinc

SUBMITTER: Trevisani V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12652123 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature