Influência do uso de telas no comportamento socioemocional de crianças

Abstract

Introduction: The advancement of digital technologies, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, has transformed family routines and increased children's exposure to electronic devices during a critical period of neuroplasticity. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the association between excessive screen time and potential changes in the socioemotional behavior of children aged 0 to under 12 years, while also investigating sociodemographic and family-related factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional quantitative study based on the application of online questionnaires to 119 legal guardians. The instrument was divided into five sections: (1) identification and sociodemographic data of the guardian and child; (2) the child's screen use habits; (3) child development; (4) socioemotional behavior; and (5) conclusion. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test in Stata16® software. Results: A total of 43.7% of the sample presented excessive screen time (≥ 2 hours per day). Parental regulation emerged as the most strongly associated factor, with consistent supervision substantially reducing the prevalence of excessive screen use compared with occasional supervision (p < 0.001). Excessive screen time was significantly associated with feelings of irritability and frustration (p = 0.019), and showed trends toward tantrums when devices were removed and aggressive behavior. However, no delays in neuropsychomotor developmental milestones were identified in this specific sample, which was characterized by high socioeconomic and educational levels. Conclusion: Active and consistent parental monitoring appears to be an important factor in mitigating excessive digital exposure and its effects on children's emotional regulation. These findings reinforce the role of the family environment as a key mediator of healthy digital habits during childhood.