Italy Senate moves forward bill to curb digital device use for children under three

A bipartisan Senate proposal in Italy seeks to regulate children’s exposure to digital devices from birth to three years. The draft law, titled “Disposizioni per la regolamentazione dell’esposizione ai dispositivi digitali nei bambini e nelle bambine da zero a tre anni,” was presented by Senator Simona Malpezzi and supported by the Italian Society of Pediatrics (Sip) and the NGO Terre des Hommes Italy.

Sip president Rino Agostiniani warned that “an increase of 30 minutes of screen time per day doubles the risk of language delay at two years” and that prolonged use can impair sleep, learning and self‑esteem. Advocacy lead Federica Giannotta added that devices often “fill a void” for parents, but “the parental dimension must be supported, not replaced by screens.”

The proposal calls for national guidelines to limit screen exposure, promote gradual digital access, and provide parents with education and tools to avoid using devices as a substitute for healthy interaction.