Relationship Between Screen Use in Childhood and Development of Attention Deficit Disorder: a literature review

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder in childhood, characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which negatively impact school performance, social relationships, and mental health. In recent decades, there has been an increase in ADHD diagnoses, possibly related to the contemporary lifestyle, especially the excessive use of digital devices by children and adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between screen time and the development or worsening of ADHD symptoms. This is a qualitative and descriptive literature review, based on seven articles published between 2018 and 2024, obtained from the Scielo, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. The results indicate that early and prolonged exposure to screens is associated with symptoms such as impulsivity, attention deficit, sleep disorders, and delays in neuropsychomotor development. Although some studies do not establish a direct causal relationship, there is consensus on the worsening of pre-existing ADHD conditions. It is concluded that uncontrolled screen use represents a significant risk factor, requiring clear limits and awareness on the part of parents, educators and public administrators to ensure the healthy development of children.