55% of students spend more than three hours a day online outside of school hours and 23% have been victims of or witnessed cyberbullying, but just 5% have reported the incident to an adult. These are the results of the survey conducted in 2025 by Moige in collaboration with thePiepoli Institute on a sample of 1,546 middle and high school children, presented in Rome on the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2026.
The data highlights that 30% of those interviewed accept friend requests from strangers and 23% have met in person contacts known only on the web, a figure which rises to 31% between 15 and 17 years old, while one in two children uses artificial intelligence for homework. In the face of phenomena such as exclusions, insults and hate speechMoige announced the strengthening of support channels, including a traveling mobile center and a new messaging number, noting that currently only 12% of young people intervene to defend victims of digital violence.
The psychophysical impact of hyperconnection in young people
Recent data on the digital life of adolescents highlights a reality in which hyperconnection is not just a social phenomenon, but a significant factor influencing public health. Prolonged exposure to screens, which exceeds three hours a day for more than half of young people, has clinical implications that go beyond simple time management. From a medical point of view, the intensive use of electronic devices, especially in the evening hours, can interfere with the circadian rhythms through exposure to blue light, which inhibits the production of melatonin and alters the quality of sleep. Chronic rest deprivation is often reflected in reduced cognitive function, irritability, and a decreased ability to regulate emotions.
An element of particular clinical attention is the feeling of anxiety described by children when they are separated from their devices. This state of hyperactivation of the nervous system suggests the development of behavioral dependency mechanisms. The brain’s reward system, mediated by dopamine, is constantly stimulated by notifications and digital social interactions, making disconnection a moment of real psychological stress, which can manifest itself with symptoms similar to those of withdrawal in traditional addictions.
Cyberbullying and mental health consequences
Cyberbullying is distinguished from traditional bullying by its pervasive nature and the absence of space-time boundaries. The victim does not even find refuge in the home environment, since the attack can occur at any time via the smartphone. This state of constant hypervigilance it can lead to a high allostatic load, i.e. a wear and tear on biological systems due to chronic stress. Scientific consensus associates these experiences with an increased risk of developing mood disorders, social anxiety and, in severe cases, self-harm thoughts. The limited use of external help, limited to only 5% of cases, is an alarming clinical fact, since the absence of early intervention can make psychological distress chronic.
Often the discomfort does not manifest itself immediately through words, but through somatizations. Frequent headaches, recurrent abdominal pain and appetite disorders are signs that the internal medicine doctor or pediatrician must be able to interpret as possible indicators of an illness linked to dynamics of digital violence. The silence and silence that surround these episodes aggravate the clinical picture, since the trauma experienced in isolation has a deeper impact on the structure of the developing personality.
Prevention and digital hygiene
Managing youth health in the digital age requires an approach that integrates behavioral education with clinical prevention. It’s not just about limiting access to technology, but about promoting proper digital hygiene. The involvement of specialized figures, as foreseen by the new itinerant support initiatives, is essential to break the wall of silence and offer resilience tools. Modern medicine recognizes that the digital environment is now a determinant of health in all respects, influencing neuropsychological development and interpersonal relationships.
In conclusion, it is necessary for families and institutions to monitor not only the amount of time spent online, but also the quality of interactions and changes in children’s behavior. Early detection of signs of anxiety, isolation or decline in academic performance remains the main tool for mitigating long-term risks related to cyberbullying and the unregulated use of social networks. The creation of easily accessible support networks, such as the new dedicated emergency numbers, represents an essential step to facilitate the emergence of the need for care and ensure timely intervention.
Source: ansa
