Document Type : Review article
Authors
1
Demonstrator of Public health and Preventive Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
2
Assistant professor of industrial medicine and occupational health, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
3
Lecturer of Public health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt.
4
Professor of Public health and Preventive Medicine
Abstract
This review explores the impact of screen exposure on early childhood development, focusing on physical, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional domains. Early childhood, particularly the first five years, is critical for achieving developmental milestones, driven by complex neurodevelopmental processes such as synaptic pruning and myelination. Various biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors influence this developmental trajectory. Recently, increasing screen time due to digital media use has raised significant public health concerns. Although interactive and educational screen content can support certain cognitive and language functions, excessive or passive exposure is linked to developmental delays. Prolonged screen time is associated with reduced executive functioning, lower language acquisition, impaired social skills, and delayed motor coordination. The review highlights that passive screen use—especially before the age of two may interfere with essential face-to-face interactions needed for language and emotional development. Furthermore, excessive screen time is linked to reduced physical activity, negatively affecting gross and fine motor skills. Factors moderating these effects include the type and duration of content, parental engagement, and the quality of the home environment. Early developmental delays, especially in language, remain a significant global concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Timely screening and parental awareness are essential to identify and mitigate risks. This review underscores the importance of balanced screen use, emphasizing quality content, parental involvement, and the promotion of traditional play and social interaction to foster healthy child development in the digital era.
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