Effects of the Use of Screens in Pediatric Patients: A Review of the Consequences on Physical, Behavioral and Cognitive Health

Abstract

Goal: Evaluate the effects of screen use on the mental health of pediatric patients, including behavioral and cognitive changes, as well as identify and discuss measures that can be adopted to reduce negative impacts. Methodology: Bibliographic review prepared according to the PVO strategy, through searches in the PubMed and Scielo databases. A total of 1660 articles were found and selected, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 studies to compose the collection. Results: The various studies analyzed point to negative impacts related to excessive use of screens, such as delay in the learning process and acquisition of child development milestones, sleep disorders, anxiety, depression and behavior problems, as well as childhood obesity and sedentary behaviors. Thus, it is based on the need to define limits regarding the time of use of screens, encourage participation in social activities and promote physical activities. Final considerations: It is necessary to expand studies on the adverse effects of indiscriminate use of screens by children, as well as effective measures for their prevention, in order to avoid the negative impact on the behavioral and cognitive development of these patients.