A digital life that's too early for children aged 0 to 6 in Sassari. This is what emerges, in line with national trends, from data from "SmartKids - Growing Connected to the World," a prevention and active citizenship campaign.

Yesterday, in the Aula Magna of the University of Sassari, the results of the local survey on digital habits, "Towards the 0-6 Educational-Digital Pact," were presented. The survey was coordinated by the San Camillo de Lellis Social Cooperative, which saw partnerships with the Municipality of Sassari, the Education Policy Department, the Sassari Local Health Authority, the patronage of the university, and the contribution of the Fondazione di Sardegna. The work was coordinated by Paola Appeddu, president of the cooperative.

1017 people, 81% of whom were mothers, were consulted through the compilations on their children's digital behavior.

The figures, presented by teacher Carla Moretti, show that 99% of homes have a TV, 93.8% a smartphone, and, importantly, nearly 40% a speaker like Alexa, which children tend to use more and more frequently. Children under 12 months use these devices 38% of the time, for less than half an hour , but as they grow, their exposure time increases. From age one to two, 76% use them for more than half an hour, from age three to four, 28% use them for more than an hour, and 33% of children aged five to six . The greatest digital exposure occurs in the evening—54.1%—for entertainment purposes (74.7%), or to allow adults to do other things (38.7%).

Children's reactions when they are separated from devices are worrying: 20% experience tantrums and crying, 6.4% have restless sleep, and 34.2% reduce active play.

This is a worrying picture, especially since, as the percentages reveal, more and more adults are having difficulty applying rules in this area. In fact, 32% say they compromise "in critical areas," such as mealtimes and evening tiredness (54%), allowing smartphones and other devices to be used.