Royal Dental College

Screen time has become an integral part of the daily lives of children and adolescents. While digital media offers educational and recreational opportunities, concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on various domains of child and adolescent development. This review aimed to (a) define screen time; (b) examine the potential negative effects of excessive screen exposure on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development; (c) explore the potential benefits of screen use and strategies to maximize benefits while minimizing risks; and (d) summarize existing guidelines and recommendations for parents and caregivers regarding children’s screen time. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 18 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2024 were included based on predefined inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that excessive screen time is consistently associated with adverse outcomes across multiple developmental domains. Increased screen exposure was linked to higher risks of obesity, reduced physical activity, sleep disturbances, and social and emotional difficulties. Although electronic devices may enhance educational engagement and learning, prolonged screen use and media multitasking were associated with poorer executive functioning and lower academic performance. Prolonged and excessive screen time poses significant risks to both physical and mental health in children and adolescents. Adherence to recommended screen time guidelines, encouraging regular breaks, and promoting offline activities are essential strategies to mitigate these negative effects while supporting healthy development.