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In recent years, children's use of digital devices has increased significantly, transforming the way they play, learn, communicate and relate to the world.
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Tablets, smartphones, televisions and video games have become a constant presence in children's daily lives, often introduced from the first years of life, when the brain is still in the process of formation.
This increasingly early and intense access to digital technology has created a scenario that, although it brings benefits such as stimulating language, motor coordination and familiarity with technological tools, also raises serious concerns regarding the adverse effects on children's emotional, social, cognitive and physical development.
Health professionals and childhood researchers have warned that unregulated screen use can contribute to a range of difficulties ranging from speech delays to behavioral problems, sleep disorders, attention deficit and difficulties in social interaction.
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Several studies have shown that as screen time increases, there is a direct correlation with a reduction in the amount of time spent on creative play, face-to-face interactions, and physical activities — all of which are fundamental pillars for healthy child development. In addition, children are increasingly likely to develop a relationship of dependence with devices, which can negatively impact their ability to cope with frustration, deal with boredom, or wait for rewards — all of which are essential skills for emotional maturity.
In this context, parents, caregivers, and educators have sought to better understand the limits and consequences of screen use, especially when signs of addiction begin to appear in a subtle but progressive way. Based on recent scientific evidence, we have compiled below the main signs that a child may be developing a worrying pattern of digital use — a warning so that interventions can be made in a preventive and balanced way, protecting the well-being and integral development of childhood.
1. Changes in Behavior and Mood
Excessive screen time has been widely associated with significant changes in children’s behavior and mood. As digital devices become more prevalent in children’s daily lives—whether for entertainment, learning, or social interaction—there has been a worrying increase in symptoms such as agitation, isolation, and sudden mood swings. Recent studies have shown that children who spend more than two hours a day in front of electronic screens are significantly more likely to develop attention deficits, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviors. This is largely due to the hyperdynamic nature of digital content, which provides rapid alternation of images, sounds, and visual stimuli, directly affecting the development of sustained attention and the ability to self-regulate emotions.
Furthermore, constant digital stimulation can lead to sensory and mental overload, making it difficult for children to deal with situations of boredom or less intense stimulation — such as school activities or real social interactions — which can result in disinterest, frustration and resistance. Another worrying factor is the impact on sleep: disorders related to insomnia, frequent awakenings and reduced sleep duration have been widely reported in children who use screens before bed. This is largely due to the emission of blue light by devices, which inhibits the natural production of melatonin — the hormone responsible for regulating the circadian rhythm and inducing sleep.
With impaired sleep regulation, children tend to be excessively tired during the day, irritable, have difficulty concentrating, and even have changes in appetite. This vicious cycle between screen time, poor sleep quality, and emotional imbalance can trigger more serious behavioral problems, such as tantrums, separation anxiety, and low frustration tolerance. In addition, excessive screen time often replaces important moments of interaction with parents, free play, and sensory experiences that are essential for healthy emotional development, which further reinforces the negative impacts of uncontrolled use of these devices.
2. Sleep Problems
Prolonged exposure to screens, especially before bedtime, can interfere with children’s sleep quality. The blue light emitted by digital devices can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep, leading to difficulty falling asleep and reduced sleep quality. This impact is particularly detrimental to the development and well-being of children, who need restful sleep for their growth and learning.
3. Difficulties in Social Interaction
Excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s social skills. Face-to-face interaction is essential for the development of social and emotional skills. Children who spend too much time in front of screens may have fewer opportunities to interact with other children and adults, which can lead to difficulties with communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. Additionally, unsupervised exposure to digital content can limit the development of interpersonal skills and increase the risk of social isolation.
4. Impacts on Cognitive Development
Excessive screen time can affect children’s cognitive development. Studies show that excessive screen time can impair skills such as imagination, mental control, and self-regulation. Additionally, exposure to digital content can reduce concentration and affect learning, academic performance, and information processing. Human interaction, play, and real-world exploration are crucial to cognitive development, and excessive screen time can crowd out these essential activities.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle and Physical Health Problems
Excessive screen time can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which increases the risk of obesity and related health problems. Children who spend too much time in front of screens have less time to engage in physical activities, play outdoors, and socialize with friends and family. Additionally, prolonged screen time can cause eye strain, blurred vision, dry eyes, and headaches. These conditions can affect children’s physical health and overall well-being.
Recommendations for Parents and Guardians
To mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time, it is important to set limits and promote alternative activities. The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than 1 hour of screen time per day, while children aged 6 to 10 should have screen time limited to 2 hours per day. In addition, it is essential to encourage participation in physical activities, reading books, board games and outdoor activities. Parents should also establish specific times for the use of digital devices and ensure that children have enough time to interact with family and friends, promoting a healthy balance between the digital world and the real world.
Conclusion
Excessive screen time in children can have significant impacts on their physical, cognitive, emotional and social development. Recognizing the signs of digital addiction and taking steps to limit screen time and promote alternative activities is essential to ensuring children’s well-being and healthy development. It is important that parents, educators and health professionals work together to create a balanced environment that allows children to enjoy the benefits of technology without compromising their development.
