pág. 8074
Impact of Early Digital Screens Usage in Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression
and Attention Deficit in Children and Teenagers: A Systematic Review
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Early and prolonged use of digital screens has become a frequent exposure during
childhood and adolescence, with potential implications for mental health, neurodevelopment, and
academic functioning. Objective: To analyze the available evidence on the association between screen
time and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and attention deficit in children and adolescents. Methods:
A narrative synthesis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, using exclusively references
provided by the authors. Eighteen studies and reviews addressing screen time, mental health,
internalizing problems, attention, executive functions, child development, language, well-being, and
academic performance were included. Results: The reviewed evidence suggests that greater screen
exposure is associated with internalizing and externalizing problems, including symptoms related to
anxiety, depression, and emotional distress. Likewise, a relationship between screen time and
attentional difficulties was identified, possibly mediated by exposure to rapid stimuli, immediate
rewards, displacement of protective activities, and sleep disturbances. In young children, early screen
use was linked to lower performance on developmental assessments and possible difficulties in
language and social skills. In adolescents, digital exposure is also related to mental health, social
functioning, and academic performance. Conclusions: However, the available evidence is
predominantly observational, heterogeneous, and susceptible to residual confounding and reverse
causality. Therefore, it is not possible to establish a definitive causal relationship. Longitudinal studies
with objective measurements of digital use, differentiation by content type, and analyses adjusted for
family, social, and educational variables are required. In conclusion, screen use should be evaluated as
part of the comprehensive assessment of children and adolescents, promoting balanced, supervised, and
developmentally appropriate use.
Keywords: screen time, digital screens, child mental health, anxiety, depression
Artículo recibido 20 mayo 2026
Aceptado para publicación: 20 junio 2026