Introduction

Digitalization has transformed human interaction with information and entertainment, establishing screens as central components of daily life. This deep integration, while offering considerable benefits, has also generated debates about the appropriate use of these devices, especially among vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents (Cullen et al., 2024). Analyzing technological innovations and their ramifications is crucial to understanding the challenges and risks associated with excessive screen use.

The rise of digital technology and the omnipresence of screens

The proliferation of digital devices and media has provided children and parents with constant access, anytime, anywhere. Digital technology, broadly defined, represents a major social trend, accompanied by positive consequences, but also by challenges and risks (Khalin & Chernova, 2023). Digital screen use encompasses a growing variety of electronic media available worldwide (Domingues-Montanari, 2017). Smartphones, tablets, game consoles, and computers are now owned and used daily by adolescents in most parts of the world, becoming entrenched in their routines (Fairclough, 2021).

Problem statement: What does excessive screen use mean today?

Excessive screen use is a growing concern given the proliferation of digital devices that contribute to sedentary behavior and potential hazards to physical, mental health, and overall well-being (Devi & Singh, 2023). During the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented increase in digital screen time among children and adolescents was observed , heightening the need to examine its implications. Although the precise relationship between screen time and children’s behavior remains under investigation, when, how, and at what ages it is associated with behavioral problems are being explored (Bahadur & Karaca, 2023).

Purpose and relevance of the analysis

This paper analyzes recent innovations in screen use and their impact on digital challenges and risks. The relevance of this study lies in the need to understand the changing dynamics of digital behavior and its multifaceted effects on society, with particular emphasis on young people. It seeks to synthesize current evidence to inform strategies for risk mitigation and promoting healthy digital practices, considering the complexity of a constantly evolving phenomenon.

Recent Innovations in the Use of Screens

Digital technology continues to evolve at an accelerated pace, constantly introducing new ways of interacting with screens. These innovations range from the devices themselves to the applications and services users consume, redefining the digital consumption landscape and, consequently, its challenges.

Technological evolution: Devices, applications and connectivity

The availability of electronic devices has grown exponentially (Domingues-Montanari, 2017). The rapid evolution of technology has made devices such as smartphones and tablets ubiquitous (Fairclough, 2021). Digitalization, in its narrowest sense, transforms information into digital format and utilizes digital information (Khalin & Chernova, 2023). Innovations in the construction industry, for example, demonstrate the application of advanced digital technologies such as virtual/augmented reality and 3D printing, illustrating the scope of this technological transformation in various spheres (Samarasinghe & Wood, 2021). These advances not only modify hardware but also connectivity capabilities and application functionalities, expanding usage possibilities and, consequently, exposure times.

New trends in digital consumption: streaming, social media, and video games

Social media, on-demand streaming, and interactive gaming are firmly embedded in adolescents’ routines (Fairclough, 2021). Smartphones, in particular, are children’s preferred device, and playing video games is their favorite digital activity . Exposure to these platforms has intensified, with increased digital time observed during the COVID-19 lockdown, impacting eye and general health . Digital interventions, such as sex education apps, demonstrate the extension of digital consumption into educational and health areas, albeit with variable results in long-term behavior change (Aguilar-Quesada et al., 2024).

Management and monitoring tools: advances in parental control and digital well-being

The home environment is critical for fostering safe online behavior and preventing risky behavior in young children . Parents exert considerable influence on their children’s use of digital technology, through parenting practices shaped by their own beliefs . Parental intervention, both active and restrictive, has been investigated in relation to cyberbullying (Tao et al., 2022). Strategies to support the eye health of children and adolescents have been proposed for both schools and parents to mitigate the risks of increased screen time . These tools and approaches aim to balance the benefits of technology with protection against its potential adverse effects.

Challenges and Risks Associated with Excessive Screen Use

The widespread use of digital devices, while providing benefits, also entails a series of significant challenges and risks to individual health and development. These impacts span multiple dimensions, from physical and mental health to digital vulnerability and social and educational implications.

Impact on physical health: vision, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and musculoskeletal disorders

Excessive screen time is linked to physical health risks, including eye strain, neck, shoulder, and back pain (Devi & Singh, 2023). Physical consequences also include increased obesity (Domingues-Montanari, 2017). A cross-sectional observational study found that higher screen time was associated with greater odds of total and central obesity, insufficient sleep, and inadequate physical activity in schoolchildren (Tambalis et al., 2020). Only 38% of children have been reported to simultaneously meet physical activity and screen time recommendations (Fakhouri et al., 2013). Increased sedentary screen time can negatively affect sleep quality, influencing performance of daily activities (Santiago et al., 2022). The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behavior recommend that school-aged children and adolescents limit recreational screen time (Fairclough, 2021).

Mental health consequences: anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and emotional well-being

Excessive screen time has been associated with elevated levels of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders (Devi & Singh, 2023) and Domingues-Montanari, 2017). There is a longitudinal association between time spent in various types of screens and symptoms of anxiety and depression one year later in adolescents, with variations in the strength of these associations depending on the type of screen behavior (Mougharbel et al., 2023). Greater screen use predicts greater emotional distress (Mougharbel et al., 2023). Digital screen use influences adolescents’ sleep quality (Silva et al., 2022). Excessive use is related to worse and shorter sleep quality, manifested in night awakenings, prolonged sleep latency, and daytime sleepiness (Silva et al., 2022). Exposure to screens, particularly video game consoles and computers, can have a negative impact on sleep quality, especially in adolescents at higher risk for anxiety (Santiago et al., 2022).

Digital vulnerability: cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and privacy

Cyberbullying constitutes a problematic online behavior among young people (Kowalski et al., 2014). Children affected by cyberbullying may experience a variety of emotional and behavioral problems (Tao et al., 2022). Research on cyberbullying has grown exponentially, although it still faces challenges in its definition and measurement (Strohmeier & Gradinger, 2022). The strongest associations with cyberbullying perpetration include normative beliefs about aggression and moral disengagement (Kowalski et al., 2014). Digitalization also brings risks of breaching digital information security, referred to as cyberrisks, which can negatively impact various aspects of society (Khalin & Chernova, 2023).

Social and educational implications: isolation, academic performance and cognitive development

Overall well-being can be affected by excessive screen time, particularly with regard to social relationships and cognitive development (Devi & Singh, 2023). Although digital technologies offer benefits, including educational opportunities and social connection, their frequent and widespread use is associated with negative impacts on the health and well-being of children and adolescents (Cullen et al., 2024). Television, in particular, has been negatively associated with the development of physical and cognitive skills (Domingues-Montanari, 2017). However, the quality of the media content and additional factors such as age may be more important than the duration of use in areas such as mental health, well-being, and cognition (Cullen et al., 2024).

Current Impact and Implications Analysis

Evaluating the impact of screen use requires considering aggravating factors, contextual differences, and international perspectives to develop effective intervention strategies.

Factors that aggravate digital risks in children and adolescents

Sedentary and physical activity habits acquired during adolescence can strongly predict those in adulthood (Fairclough, 2021). Adolescent girls’ propensity for physical inactivity, exacerbated by screen-based devices, is observed in studies showing lower moderate to vigorous physical activity and longer sedentary time in those who use multiple screens simultaneously (Fairclough, 2021). Cyberbullying may be more pronounced in children with low levels of digital literacy (Tao et al., 2022). Parents, when providing access to devices, often seek educational benefits but are aware of the negative and positive effects.

Differences according to context: age, family environment, school and technological access

Associations between screen time and behavioral problems vary by age (Bahadur & Karaca, 2023). For example, in preschoolers, low screen time is associated with less hyperactivity, whereas in adolescents, high screen time is related to behavioral problems (Bahadur & Karaca, 2023). Family context, including parenting practices, mediates the relationship between technology use and cyberbullying (Tao et al., 2022). Parental screen time is also linked to emotional and behavioral problems in preschool and school-aged children (Bahadur & Karaca, 2023). Schools and parents have an important role in implementing strategies to mitigate risks.

International perspectives: compliance with guidelines and recommendations on screen use

Guidelines from the WHO and others such as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend limits on recreational screen time for children and adolescents (Fairclough, 2021) and Fakhouri et al., 2013). However, adherence to these recommendations is typically low; for example, only 23% of adolescents in the UK follow them, with screen time of 4–5 or more hours per day being common (Fairclough, 2021). A US study found that only 38% of children simultaneously met the recommendations for physical activity and screen time (Fakhouri et al., 2013). This gap between recommendations and practice underscores the complexity of the problem and the need for approaches tailored to the realities of each cultural and technological context.

Conclusion

The integration of screens into daily life presents a complex landscape of benefits and risks, especially for children and adolescents. Technological evolution, with the proliferation of devices and the emergence of new forms of digital consumption, demands a deep understanding of its impacts. Research clearly demonstrates the negative impacts of excessive screen use on physical and mental health, digital vulnerability, and social and cognitive development. It is essential to address these challenges with informed strategies tailored to the specificities of each demographic group and context.

Summary of key findings

Increased screen time is associated with increased eye health problems, sedentary behavior, obesity, and musculoskeletal disorders (Devi & Singh, 2023)(Tambalis et al., 2020). In the field of mental health, significant longitudinal associations are observed with anxiety and depression, as well as a reduction in sleep quality and duration (Mougharbel et al., 2023)(Silva et al., 2022). Digital vulnerability manifests itself through cyberbullying and information security risks (Kowalski et al., 2014)(Khalin & Chernova, 2023). Family context and age modulate these impacts, while compliance with international recommendations on screen time remains low (Bahadur & Karaca, 2023)(Fakhouri et al., 2013).

Recommendations to mitigate risks and promote healthy use of screens

To mitigate risks, it is suggested to limit screen time, especially for young people, and to incorporate physical activity and face-to-face interaction into daily routines (Devi & Singh, 2023). Educational interventions, such as those addressing digital literacy, can be effective in reducing the risks associated with cyberbullying (Tao et al., 2022).

• Set clear limits for recreational screen time.
• Promote physical activity and outdoor play as alternatives (Devi & Singh, 2023).
• Promote direct social interactions to strengthen relationships (Devi & Singh, 2023).
• Implement digital literacy programs to improve online safety (Tao et al., 2022).
• Involve parents and educators in mediating the use of technology.
• Prioritize the quality of digital content over the duration of exposure (Cullen et al., 2024).

These measures help support young people in developing safe screen behaviors, enabling them to acquire essential digital skills (Cullen et al., 2024).

New challenges and opportunities for the digital future

Digitalization continues to evolve, generating both challenges and opportunities. Understanding cyber risks and managing digital information security represent a persistent challenge (Khalin & Chernova, 2023). Continued research efforts are needed to inform programs that promote screen time reduction and improve adolescent mental health (Mougharbel et al., 2023). The ability to adapt to new technologies and formulating policies that balance innovation with protecting well-being are crucial for a healthier digital future.

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