The increasing use of digital media and devices by children has led to growing concerns that spending time online without sufficient guarding is having negative effects on their health and wellbeing. In this Viewpoint, we argue that children's use of digital technologies and engagement in digital environments should be recognised as important determinants of their health and that a public health approach is required to protect children from digital harms. Drawing on lessons from well-established approaches to address other public health challenges, we summarise three groups of public health interventions that can help delay media use among very young children, reduce digital media use among children of all ages, and mitigate any harmful consequences of children's digital media use. To build healthy digital environments for children now and future generations, we recommend a precautionary approach to governance that prioritises children's health and wellbeing, recognises their desire to enjoy the benefits of the digital world, and allows children to have a role in shaping their digital futures.

中文翻译：

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解决儿童健康和福祉的数字决定因素的公共卫生干预措施


儿童越来越多地使用数字媒体和设备，这导致人们越来越担心，在没有足够保护的情况下上网会对他们的健康和福祉产生负面影响。在这个观点中，我们认为儿童对数字技术的使用和对数字环境的参与应该被认为是他们健康的重要决定因素，并且需要采取公共卫生方法来保护儿童免受数字伤害。借鉴应对其他公共卫生挑战的成熟方法的经验教训，我们总结了三组公共卫生干预措施，这些干预措施可以帮助延迟幼儿对媒体的使用，减少所有年龄段儿童对数字媒体的使用，并减轻儿童使用数字媒体的任何有害后果。为了为现在和未来的儿童建立健康的数字环境，我们建议采取预防性治理方法，优先考虑儿童的健康和福祉，认识到他们希望享受数字世界的好处，并允许儿童在塑造他们的数字未来方面发挥作用。