Bambino Gesù Hospital opens new clinic for digital addiction

Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital has launched a new neuropsychiatry clinic dedicated to addressing problematic internet and digital technology use among children and adolescents. The clinic focuses on cases where the use of smartphones, tablets, computers, video games, and social networks interferes significantly with daily life, relationships, and sleep.

Issues addressed include the inability to disconnect, withdrawal from routine activities, and new forms of interaction with artificial intelligence, such as adolescents sharing personal problems or psychological distress with conversational AI.

Data from Save the Children indicates rising digital engagement in Italy: 32.6% of children aged 6 to 10 use a smartphone daily, nearly doubling from previous years. Additionally, over 62% of children aged 11 to 13 have at least one social media account. The clinic emphasizes that problematic use is defined not just by screen time, but by the inability to control usage and the resulting negative consequences on daily functioning.