Contextual and family factors in the impact of excessive screen use on health and neurodevelopment in children and adolescents
Abstract
In recent years, the use of digital screens among children and adolescents has steadily increased, becoming a routine part of daily life and raising concerns regarding their effects on physical health, mental health, and neurodevelopment.
Objective: To analyse the relationship between screen use, considering exposure time, usage context, and family environment influences and various health outcomes in the pediatric population aged 0 to 18.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and SciELO for studies published between 2015 and 2025 in English and Spanish, which were then analysed in a qualitative synthesis.
Results: Exposure exceeding two hours per day is associated with a higher prevalence of childhood obesity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep disturbances.
During early childhood, solitary and passive screen use is linked to delays in language development and poorer executive function performance. Among adolescents, intensive use of recreational social media increases symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, when screens were used for educational
purposes under active adult supervision, partial protective effects benefiting neurodevelopment and mental health were observed.
Conclusion: The impact of electronic screens on child health and neurodevelopment is strongly modulated by contextual and socioeconomic factors, extending beyond the mere quantification of time spent.
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References
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