International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Anuradha, Ragini Mishra, Arti, Shweta Sachan and Shashi Yadav

abstract
This review examines the extensive impact of excessive screen time on child development, encompassing language, social-emotional, physical, and cognitive domains, and its contribution to developmental disabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly escalated children's screen usage by approximately 52%, intensifying concerns, particularly in regions like India, where it is linked to brain development issues and an obesity epidemic due to reduced physical activity. Research consistently demonstrates negative correlations between excessive screen time and critical developmental milestones. Language development is hindered by limited real-life interactions essential for vocabulary acquisition and communication skills, often leading to delayed speech. Social-emotional growth is compromised as reduced face-to-face interactions impede the development of empathy, relationship-building, and social awareness, contributing to increased aggression and emotional reactivity. Physically, prolonged screen use fosters a sedentary lifestyle, elevating risks of obesity, musculoskeletal problems, eye strain, vision issues like myopia, and disrupted sleep patterns due to blue light exposure. Cognitively, excessive screen time negatively impacts memory, reasoning, and attention, impairing higher-order thinking skills and academic performance, and is associated with increased risks of suicidal thoughts and mood disorders in adolescents. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence links excessive screen time to the emergence or exacerbation of neurodevelopmental disorders, including developmental delays in young children, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Studies indicate a significant association between increased screen exposure and behavioral problems, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, and conduct disorders. To mitigate these adverse effects, leading health organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide strict screen time guidelines, recommending no screen time for infants under 18-24 months (except for video calls), limited use for toddlers, and a maximum of 1-2 hours daily for older children. This review underscores the critical need for a balanced approach to technology integration in children's lives, prioritizing holistic development through real-world interactions and physical well-being.