Screen Time and Its Impacts on Youth Health and Brain Development

Abstract

Introduction: Excessive use of social media can heighten feelings of loneliness and body dissatisfaction, worsening psychological distress. These effects are intensified by factors such as age, gender, self-esteem, and family and school contexts, which call for a multisectoral and preventive approach. The advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed adolescents' daily lives, making devices like smartphones and computers central to their routines. However, excessive screen use has been linked to negative effects on mental health and brain development. Studies highlight a correlation between high screen time and increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, and body dissatisfaction. Factors such as age, gender, and family context influence these impacts, making it crucial to investigate how these dynamics affect vulnerable school populations. Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of excessive digital screen use on the mental health and neuropsychological development of adolescents and young people. Methodology: A bibliographic study with a descriptive nature and qualitative approach was conducted by reviewing scientific articles from 2020 to May 2025, available in PubMed. The descriptors used were "Screen Time," "Mental Health," and "Teenagers." After screening and critical analysis, the data were organised into ten thematic axes that guided the discussion and theoretical reflections of the study.  The searches were carried out using the Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) from the Regional Library of Medicine (BIREME). Results and Discussion: The analysed data reveal that prolonged screen use is associated with changes in brain areas related to attention, memory, and emotional control, as well as negatively impacting sleep quality. The type of content accessed is crucial: passive media like social networks are associated with greater impulsivity and depressive symptoms, while interactive and educational media may have neutral or beneficial effects. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened these impacts. Moderating factors such as family support, physical activity, age, and gender influence the intensity of the effects. Older students and girls tend to be more vulnerable, and the lack of effective public policies exacerbates this situation. Conclusion: It is concluded that the negative effects of excessive screen time on adolescent mental health are complex and multifactorial. The influence depends not only on the amount of time but also on the type of content consumed, usage patterns, and social context. Medical education and public policies should critically and interdisciplinarily address this issue, encouraging a balance between technology and healthy habits. Strategies involving family, school, and community are essential to mitigate impacts and promote digital well-being among young people. In summary, a broader understanding of psychological suffering in the digital age demands an ethical, multidisciplinary approach that is sensitive to contemporary sociocultural transformations.