Girelli proposes digital health measures for minors in Italy bill

A bill on the digital health of minors, A.C. 3079, has been published by the Chamber of Deputies, according to the text as published. The proposal was introduced by Gian Antonio Girelli, a deputy of the Partito Democratico, on 5 August 2026. It is titled "Disposizioni per la promozione della salute digitale dei minori e la prevenzione della dipendenza da strumenti e piattaforme digitali".

The text includes online video games in its definition of "tecnologie digitali", alongside tools, devices, services, applications, digital platforms and telematic social networks. It defines problematic use of digital technologies as use that is excessive, compulsive, early, not appropriate to age or not adequately accompanied, to the point of negatively affecting minors' physical, psychological, cognitive or relational wellbeing, as well as school performance, sleep, lifestyles and family and social relationships.

Article 4 of the proposal provides for digital health education initiatives in first- and second-cycle schools within civics teaching. The stated objectives include preventing problematic or compulsive use of smartphones, telematic social networks, video games and digital platforms. The activities also aim to promote aware, responsible and critical use of technologies, knowledge of the risks of prolonged screen exposure and awareness of how digital platforms and content recommendation systems work.

The proposal provides for a national plan for the digital health of minors, of three years' duration, to be adopted by the health minister in agreement with the education and merit minister within six months of the law entering into force. The plan would set prevention objectives, training and information initiatives for families, educators, health workers and school staff, awareness activities in schools and measures for aware, balanced and age-appropriate use of digital technologies.

Article 5 provides for periodic information and awareness campaigns on the risks of problematic use of digital technologies and on good practices to protect minors' digital health. The initiatives are addressed primarily to reference adults and include guidance on gradual and accompanied access to digital tools, on setting shared rules and on early recognition of possible signs of problematic use.

The text also provides for a national observatory on the digital health of minors at the Istituto superiore di sanità, tasked with collecting and processing data on minors' use of digital technologies, promoting studies and research and monitoring implementation of the national plan. It further provides for a national fund for the digital health of minors at the health ministry, with €20m a year from 2027. The resources are intended for prevention, training, research, information and support activities under the proposal, with the possibility of financing pilot projects to prevent problematic use of digital technologies.