Exposure to Screens as a Risk Factor to Risk for Impaired Child Development Under 6 Years: A scoping review

Abstract

Objective

To map the evidence on the exposure to screens as a determining risk factor for impaired child development up to the age of 6.

Introduction

Screens of all kinds fill family life and shape many children's routines from ever younger ages. Exposure to screens has potential negative effects, and it is important to map that evidence to update the nursing diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria

Scoping review based on JBI framework (2024). The Population was children aged 6 or younger; the Concept was the negative effects of screen exposure; and the Context was any type of screen exposure across all environments where children live. Included all full-text primary, secondary, and grey literature in English, Portuguese, or Spanish from the past decade.

Methods

A search was carried out in March 2025 across five databases, yielding 309 articles, with the main results reported in Web of Science, CINAHL, and PubMed. After selection by two independent reviewers, data were extracted from 26 articles.

Results

All 26 articles were in English and drawn from diverse countries and contexts, with most using cross-sectional or longitudinal observational designs. They reported various developmental issues, organized into five categories: cognitive and language development; motor skills, physical activity and well-being; sleep patterns; socio-emotional skills; and behavioral development.

Conclusions

Excessive screen time is linked to deficits in cognition, language, sleep, behavior, and socio-emotional development. Research gaps were identified, including the scarcity of longitudinal studies and limited insight into parental mediation and content type. These results emphasize the need for strategies promoting mindful technology use in early childhood.