IMPACT OF SCREEN TIME AND MEDIA USE ON NEURODEVELOPMENT, EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL OUTCOMES, AND MENTAL HEALTH IN CHILDREN
Abstract
Digital devices offer opportunities for learning and communication, but growing evidence links excessive screen exposure to negative cognitive, language, auditory, and psychosocial outcomes, as well as increased sedentary behavior. These concerns intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns and school closures led to substantial increases in screen use, as digital media became essential for remote learning, emotional regulation, and social connection. Moreover, emerging research suggests that these elevated screen habits may persist beyond the pandemic, underscoring the need for parental guidance and developmentally appropriate limits.
This review analyzed articles from the PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, with particular emphasis on recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and cross-sectional studies investigating how screen time and media use affect children’s neurodevelopment, emotional and behavioral outcomes, and mental health.
During the pandemic, children frequently exceeded recommended screen limits. Across studies, prolonged early screen exposure was linked to increased risk of cognitive, language, and social delays, particularly among children with emerging ASD symptoms or higher genetic susceptibility to ADHD. Fast-paced content correlated with ADHD-related behaviors and video gaming with conduct problems, whereas interactive and communication-based media showed fewer negative associations. Language development appeared especially vulnerable: excessive mobile device use, background television, and parental “technoference” were associated with fewer conversational turns, reduced child vocalizations, poorer language outcomes, and weaker auditory responsiveness.
These findings highlight the importance of parent-focused strategies that promote balanced media habits, such as screen-free routines, time limits, and active monitoring. Future research should clarify the specific pathways linking screen time to developmental outcomes and identify effective intervention strategies that can help mitigate potential risks.
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