EXCESSIVE SCREEN EXPOSURE AND NEUROLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: AN INTEGRATIVE

Abstract

Early and excessive screen exposure is common during early childhood—a period characterized by intense brain plasticity and significant motor, cognitive, and socioemotional development. This study aimed to synthesize scientific evidence regarding the associations between excessive screen use and neurodevelopment in children within this age group. It is an integrative literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted using the PubMed, BVS, and SciELO databases. The guiding research question was structured according to the PICO framework, focusing on children aged 0 to 6 years, excessive versus appropriate/lower levels of screen exposure, and neurodevelopmental outcomes. A total of 35 records were identified, 18 of which were included in the final sample after applying eligibility criteria. The findings indicate associations between higher screen exposure and alterations in language, attention, executive functions, sleep, and motor development, as well as potential impacts on white matter integrity and brain maturation. However, the heterogeneity of study designs and the predominance of observational research limit the ability to draw causal inferences. In conclusion, excessive screen use is a significant issue for child health, underscoring the need for family guidance and longitudinal research to gain a deeper understanding of these effects.