In recent years, the public debate surrounding young people’s relationship with media has intensified, becoming a central focus for both political agendas and media coverage. A series of events, recent publications, and increasing challenges at school and at home have drawn greater attention to the issue. EYES UP (EarlY Exposure to Screens and Unequal Performance) is a one-year research project designed to contribute new, scientifically robust evidence to this ongoing discussion.

Launched in 2023 and funded by Fondazione Cariplo through the 2022 “Inequalities Research” grant, the project is coordinated by the Department of Sociology and Social Research at the University of Milan-Bicocca, with the involvement of the University of Brescia, the Sloworking association, and the Centro Studi Socialis.

EYES UP investigated the long-term effects of early exposure to digital tools on children’s academic performance throughout their school careers. The study employed statistical matching and a difference-in-difference methodology, enabling a potential causal interpretation of the findings. The results confirm the existence of significant negative impacts of certain early experiences with digital media—particularly early use of social media—supported by strong scientific evidence. Nonetheless, the findings also identify positive areas that could be further developed to foster a more effective and meaningful process of digital socialization.