The impact of screen time on brain development and mental health in the context of current inter-national recommendations

Czech version

Authors: Tomáš Skřont; Jan Uhlíř
Authors‘ workplace: Katedra klinických neurověd, Lékařská fakulta, Ostravská univerzita, Ostrava ; Psychiatrická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava, Ostrava
Published in: Čes-slov Pediat 2026; 81 (4): 199-204.
Category: Comprehensive Report
doi: https://doi.org/10.55095/CSPediatrie2026/032

Overview

This article provides a basic overview of current evidence on the associations between screen time and children’s neurodevelopment as well as their cognitive, social, and emotional–behavioral functioning, including impacts on mental health. It also discusses factors that may modify these associations (e.g., the child’s age, content type, parenting approaches, sleep, and physical activity). In this context, it presents current international recommendations on children’s use of digital technologies, with the aim of opening a discussion on developing Czech guidelines.

Keywords:

children and adolescents – Neurodevelopment – guidelines – mental health – screen time – cognitive development – digital media – social and emotional-behavioral development

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