Rizzo Roberta, Fusto Gaia, Marino Serena, Castagnola Iside, Parano Claudia, Pappalardo Xena Giada, Parano Enrico
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "GF Ingrassia" (DGFI), University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
Children (Basel). 2025 Jul 10;12(7):909. doi: 10.3390/children12070909.
Digital technologies have become increasingly integrated into the daily lives of children and adolescents, largely because their interactive and visually engaging design is particularly suited to the younger users. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated this trend, significantly lowering the average age of access to the digital devices. However, scientific consensus remains divided regarding the developmental impact of digital media use-particularly its cognitive, motor, and emotional consequences-depending on whether the use is passive or active. This review aims to explore these effects across developmental stages, focusing on both behavioral and neurobiological dimensions, and to identify emerging risks and protective factors associated with digital engagement. : A PRISMA review was conducted on the impact of digital media use among pre-school children and adolescents. Behavioral, psychosocial, and neurobiological aspects were examined, with specific attention to epigenetic changes, techno-stress, digital overstimulation, and immersive technologies (e.g., virtual and augmented reality). : The findings suggest that passive digital consumption is more often associated with negative outcomes, such as impaired attention and emotional regulation, especially in younger children. Active and guided use may offer cognitive benefits. Neurobiological research indicates that chronic exposure to digital stimuli may affect stress regulation and neural development, possibly via epigenetic mechanisms. Effects vary across developmental stages and individual vulnerabilities. : A nuanced understanding of digital engagement is essential. While certain technologies can support development, excessive or unguided use may pose risks. This review provides age-specific recommendations to foster balanced and healthy technology use in children and adolescents.
数字技术已越来越多地融入儿童和青少年的日常生活，这主要是因为其交互式和视觉吸引力的设计特别适合年轻用户。新冠疫情进一步加速了这一趋势，显著降低了接触数字设备的平均年龄。然而，关于数字媒体使用的发展影响，特别是其认知、运动和情感后果，科学共识仍然存在分歧，这取决于使用是被动还是主动。本综述旨在探讨这些在不同发育阶段的影响，关注行为和神经生物学两个维度，并确定与数字参与相关的新出现的风险和保护因素。：对学龄前儿童和青少年中数字媒体使用的影响进行了一项系统评价和荟萃分析（PRISMA）。研究了行为、心理社会和神经生物学方面，特别关注表观遗传变化、技术压力、数字过度刺激和沉浸式技术（如虚拟现实和增强现实）。：研究结果表明，被动数字消费更常与负面结果相关，如注意力和情绪调节受损，尤其是年幼的儿童。主动和有指导的使用可能带来认知益处。神经生物学研究表明，长期接触数字刺激可能会影响压力调节和神经发育，可能是通过表观遗传机制。影响因发育阶段和个体易感性而异。：对数字参与有细致入微的理解至关重要。虽然某些技术可以支持发展，但过度或无指导的使用可能会带来风险。本综述提供了针对不同年龄段的建议，以促进儿童和青少年平衡、健康地使用技术。
