Between colors and pixels: an analysis of the impacts of screens use on children's cognitive and emotional development

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Childhood is a crucial period for physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Experiences lived during this stage directly influence the trajectory of child growth. In the postmodern context, technological advances have become consolidated across multiple spheres, making devices such as televisions, computers, tablets, video games, and smartphones increasingly present in family routines, especially among children. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impacts of exposure to digital screens on child development, considering children aged 0 to 10 years, with emphasis on cognitive outcomes—such as attention, memory, language, and problem-solving—and emotional outcomes, including changes in social behavior, impulsivity, difficulties in emotional regulation, and understanding of emotions. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative review conducted in March 2025 using the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. The following descriptors were used: “digital screens,” “child development,” “children,” and “impact.” Primary studies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, longitudinal, case-control, and cross-sectional), as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2019 and 2024, were included. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The findings show that excessive screen exposure time is associated with impairments in cognitive development, such as reduced communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and linguistic comprehension, as well as limited vocabulary. In the emotional domain, a negative impact on emotional regulation and understanding of emotions was observed, along with an increase in symptoms such as anxiety and impulsivity. CONCLUSION: Unmonitored use of digital devices can significantly compromise child development, highlighting the need for appropriate guidance and supervision.