Bambino Gesù Hospital opens clinic for digital and AI addiction

The Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital in Rome has launched a specialized neuropsychiatry clinic dedicated to treating children and adolescents struggling with problematic use of the internet, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.

The clinic addresses issues such as late-night smartphone use, excessive video gaming, and social media addiction, which can disrupt sleep, academic performance, and family relationships. Medical professionals also noted a rising trend of adolescents turning to AI chatbots for emotional support and personal advice during mental health crises.

Data from Save the Children highlights the scale of the issue in Italy, noting that approximately 32.6% of children aged 6 to 10 use a smartphone daily, nearly doubling figures from 2018-2019. Additionally, over 60% of children aged 11 to 13 possess at least one social media account. Experts emphasize that addiction is defined by a loss of control and negative life consequences rather than just total screen time.