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The development of technology undoubtedly provides significant conveniences in our daily lives and promotes development in multiple areas.

At the same time, however, we are called upon to deal with side effects that arise from incorrect or excessive use of it.

One of the most important modern problems in the field of pediatrics is the long-term exposure of children to digital screens (TV, PC, Tablet, Smartphones).

The wide availability of these media in modern society and their attractiveness, especially to children, pose a serious problem to the medical community and parents in terms of limiting their use. In order to limit a child’s exposure to digital screens, we must first understand the problems that arise from their excessive use.

• ObesityInvesting time in sedentary activities is a positive factor for the development of obesity
• Sleep Disorders The radiation emitted by electronic devices interferes with the sleep cycle and can lead to disorders
• Behavioral Disorders According to studies, preschool and school-age children who are exposed to more than two hours a day are more likely to have emotional, social and attention problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization issued guidelines for parents with the aim of rational use of digital devices to limit their negative effects

• Complete avoidance of screen use by children up to 18 months. If we use them, it should be only for communication purposes with relatives and friends and for a minimum period of time.
• Children aged 18 to 24 months can be exposed to limited time on digital screens. Parents should choose high-quality programs and, above all, watch them together with the children to guide them.
• Children aged 2 to 5 years are limited to 1 hour per day for high-quality educational programs. Again, the presence of parents is considered necessary.
• Children aged 6 years and above there is no specific time limit. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting firm limits on the time children spend on screens, while parents should ensure that this time does not replace adequate sleep, physical exercise, and other habits that are essential for the child’s mental, spiritual, and physical well-being.

However, beyond these guidelines, recent research results show that it is not only the time children spend on screens that matters, but also the nature and type of content to which they are exposed.

Taking into account the difficulty of implementing rules and prohibitions on children, measures are proposed that will facilitate this process, such as:

• Avoid placing digital screens in children’s bedrooms. On the contrary, it is recommended that they be placed in public areas where their use can be supervised.
• Avoid use during meals or before bedtime.
• Avoid using digital devices to reassure the child.
• Active participation of the parent and monitoring with the child, in order to control and explain the content.
• Enhancement of activities, socialization and interests outside the screen.
• Limiting personal use of digital devices by parents themselves as an example.

The use of digital devices is now an integral part of our daily lives. In addition to implementing rules, the active role of parents and their contact with children is the factor that will prevent problematic use and bring out their positive aspects.