Rising digital and energy‑drink addictions among Italian teens

Research across Italy highlights a surge in behavioural addictions among adolescents. Studies show that 27% of the global population uses smartphones habitually, with 49.2% of teens displaying high dependence and 25% reporting problematic social‑media use. Video‑game dependence affects about 41% of young people. Professor Gabriele Sani, psychiatrist at Policlinico Gemelli, warns that digital over‑use creates a “fluid, submerged, multiform” distress that families struggle to detect.

A separate study by the Italian Society of Pediatrics reveals that 65% of adolescents have tried energy drinks, and 39.2% began before age 12. Frequent consumption is linked to cardiovascular and neurological risks, especially in those with undiagnosed heart conditions. Pediatric leader Rino Agostiniani stresses that the stimulant mixtures in these drinks are not safe for minors, recommending avoidance until age 18.