Aim Double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is a useful tool for the evaluation and treatment of small bowel disease. Limited clinical data are available regarding the indications, clinical findings and safety associated with the use of DBE in children. The aim of this study is to investigate the utility and safety of DBE in children. Methods A total of 72 DBE procedures were performed on 61 children at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, between 1 April 2013 and 31 December 2017. The clinical data were analysed retrospectively. Results DBE was attempted 72 times in 61 children (45 boys and 16 girls) of an age range between 6 and 14 years (mean age: 11.9 years). The most common indication for DBE was occult gastrointestinal bleeding and abdominal pain. The positive rate of abnormal findings was 77.5% (55/72). Most children showed non-specific enteritis and Crohn's disease. Eight children underwent successful therapeutic enteroscopy. No serious complication was observed in any child in this case series. Conclusion DBE can be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool for small bowel disorders in children.