IMPACTS OF SCREEN EXPOSURE ON THE NEURODEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the possible impacts of screen exposure on the neurological development of children and adolescents. This is a narrative literature review with a qualitative approach, conducted in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), PubMed, and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases. Twenty articles published between 2019 and 2026 in English and Spanish were analyzed, addressing the relationship between screen use and neurological, cognitive, behavioral, and socioemotional aspects. The findings indicated associations between excessive or inappropriate screen exposure and changes related to attention, executive functions, learning, behavior, and brain development. Possible impacts on emotional aspects and social relationships were also identified, particularly when device use replaces important activities such as reading, playing, physical exercise, and face-to-face interaction. However, the findings demonstrate that the effects of digital technologies do not depend exclusively on exposure time, but are also influenced by content, purpose, context, and adult mediation. It is concluded that prevention should prioritize conscious, balanced, and appropriate use of technologies, with the participation of families and schools in digital education.