Italian youth face rising health risks from digital addictions and obesity

A national study by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) found that more than one in six Italian students aged 11‑17 exhibit at least one risky behavior linked to social media, video games or gambling. Around 17% of 11‑13‑year‑olds and 18% of 14‑17‑year‑olds reported such behaviors, with roughly 10% of the older group having gambled in the past year despite a legal ban. Among gamers, almost half had spent money on loot boxes or other in‑game purchases.

Separate ISS data on child nutrition show that 19% of Italian children aged 8‑9 are overweight and 9.8% are obese, with regional disparities. In Campania the combined share of overweight and obese children reaches 43.2%, markedly higher than the national average. The findings underscore the need for coordinated preventive measures involving families, schools, health services and digital platform operators.