Use of social networks and mobile devices in the child population of La Rioja

Introduction: the current generation of children, grow up immersed in digital media. The use of digital technology can bring benefits in our personal lives, however, when it is started at a very young age, it can lead to abuse of them with exposure to potential risks. The main objective of the study is to describe the way of using Information and Communication Technologies in the pediatric population.

Materials and methods: observational, crosssectional study, analytical and descriptive with a sample of 220 patients, between 7 and 13 years old, who came to the Hospital Pediatric Emergency Department for another reason.

Results: survey respondents, 53.6% had their own mobile phone, with an average age of acquisition of the first mobile phone of 10.16 years. No significant differences were found in the degree of supervision based on the family nationality or in the father's educational level, although in the case of the mother, there was a higher degree of supervision in mothers with university studies. 66.3% of the sample had social networks.

Conclusions: the results of this study offer a description of the use of mobile devices and social networks in children between 7 and 13 years of age. A widespread adoption of these devices has been observed, highlighting the use of social networks and a notable degree of parental supervision. Paediatricians play a fundamental role in promoting a healthy use of new technologies, as well as in detecting the risks they entail.