Use of Screens and Neuropsychomotor Development Delay in Children Under 5 Years Old
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19389614Keywords:
Screen time, Child development, Developmental delay, Child, NeurodevelopmentAbstract
This study aimed to analyze, through a systematic literature review, the association between screen use and neuropsychomotor developmental delay in children under five years old. This is a descriptive and analytical review conducted through searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, using descriptors related to screen time, electronic devices, child development, and developmental delay. Original studies available in full text that evaluated screen exposure and its impact on neuropsychomotor development were included. The results demonstrated a consistent association between excessive screen use and impairments across multiple developmental domains, particularly language, cognition, motor skills, and social interaction. Greater exposure time, early initiation, and lack of parental supervision were associated with worse outcomes. Conversely, moderate, supervised use with educational content may mitigate negative effects. It is concluded that excessive screen use represents a significant risk factor for developmental delays in early childhood, highlighting the importance of proper guidance for parents and caregivers regarding balanced use of digital technologies.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Vanessa Giavarotti Taboza Flores, Juan Pablo Flamini Rodrigues, Fernando Barraca de Jesus Meche, Maria Clara de Oliveira Costa, Giulia Girelli
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