IMPACTS OF EXCESSIVE SCREEN USE ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Abstract

The advancement of digital technologies has significantly modified forms of communication, social interaction, and access to information, making electronic devices increasingly present in children's daily lives. In this context, the excessive use of screens during early childhood has raised concerns among health professionals and researchers due to its potential impacts on language development. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of excessive screen use on language development in early childhood, highlighting the importance of social interactions and the role of speech-language pathologists in prevention and guidance on the appropriate use of digital technologies. This is a descriptive study with a qualitative approach, conducted through a literature review based on the analysis of scientific articles published in national and international academic databases. From the analyzed literature, it was found that language development occurs gradually and depends directly on communicative experiences, social interactions, and the stimuli offered to the child in the first years of life. The results showed that excessive exposure to electronic devices can reduce opportunities for dialogue, play, and family interaction, fundamental factors for healthy linguistic development. Furthermore, impairments related to speech delay, difficulties in social interaction, cognitive alterations, decreased attention span, and compromised children's communicative skills were identified. It was also observed that early and prolonged screen use can negatively impact socialization, learning, and emotional development in children. The research also highlighted the relevance of social interactions, play activities, and communicative stimuli in child development, as well as the importance of the speech-language pathologist's role in guiding parents and caregivers regarding the balanced use of digital technologies. It concludes that excessive screen use in early childhood can significantly compromise language development, making it necessary to raise family and professional awareness about practices that promote healthy communicative development in children.