Keywords
Desarrollo del lenguaje
Primera infancia
How to Cite
Copyright © | All rights reserved.
The journal holds the exclusive copyright for the publication of this article under the terms of Brazilian law 9610/98.
Partial reproduction
The use of parts of the texts, figures and questionnaire of the article is free, being mandatory the citation of the authors and journal.
Total reproduction
It is expressly prohibited and must be authorized by the journal.
Abstract
Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence regarding the relationship between screen time exposure in children under two years of age and language development. Literature review: Language development during the first years of life depends on the interaction between neurobiological maturation and the quality of environmental stimulation, with social interactions playing a fundamental role in the acquisition of communication skills. Current evidence indicates that early, prolonged, and predominantly passive screen exposure is associated with impairments in receptive and expressive language, reduced vocabulary, alterations in executive functions, and lower-quality interactions between children and caregivers. Furthermore, factors such as age at first exposure, daily screen time, type of content accessed, parental mediation, and family environment directly influence the observed outcomes. In contrast, interactive digital content, when age-appropriate and used under caregiver supervision, may promote certain language skills, although it does not replace the benefits provided by face-to-face interactions. Final considerations: Screen exposure during the first years of life represents a potentially modifiable factor affecting children's language development.
References
ALAMRI MM, et al. Relationship between Speech Delay and Smart Media in Children: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 2023; 15(9):e45396.
BAL M, et al. Examining the Relationship Between Language Development, Executive Function, and Screen Time: A Systematic Review. PLOS ONE, 2024; 19(12):e0314540.
BRASIL. Ministério da Saúde. Instituto do Câncer Infantil e Pediatria Especializada. Hospital da Criança de Brasília José Alencar. Desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, sinais de alerta e estimulação precoce: um guia para profissionais de saúde e educação. Brasília: Ministério da Saúde; 2023.
CHENG Y. The Impact of Screen-Based Media Exposure on Infant and Toddler Development: A Systematic Review of Psychological and Behavioral Domains. Acta Psychologica, 2026; 266:106438.
CONTRERAS-SILVA MY, et al. Impact of Electronic Devices Used at an Early Age on Language. Revista Médica del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 2023; 61(4): 427-432.
CORKIN MT, et al. Associations Between Technoference, Quality of Parent-Infant Interactions, and Infants’ Vocabulary Development. Infant Behavior and Development, 2021; 64:101611.
CORRÊA GKF, et al. The Influence of the Family Environment on the Development of Speech and Language in Children: A Systematic Review. Revista Acadêmica Online, 2025; 11(60): 1-16.
DE DOMENICO C, et al. Prenatal Psychological Distress and Neurodevelopmental Trajectories in the First 3 Years: A Systematic Review. BMJ Open, 2025; 15: e104716.
GAGO-GALVAGNO LG, et al. Contributions of Screen Use on Early Language and Development Milestones in Argentinean Toddlers From Different Socioeconomic Contexts. Trends in Psychology, 2023.
JUNGE C, et al. Development of the N400 for Word Learning in the First 2 Years of Life: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 2021.
KUHL PK. Early Language Acquisition: Cracking the Speech Code. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 2004; 5(11): 831-843.
LAMMERS SM, et al. Explaining Adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics Screen Time Recommendations With Caregiver Awareness and Parental Motivation Factors: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting, 2022; 5(2): e29102.
MADIGAN S, et al. Associations Between Screen Use and Child Language Skills: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 2020; 174(7): 665-675.
MASSARONI V, et al. The Relationship Between Language and Technology: How Screen Time Affects Language Development in Early Life—A Systematic Review. Brain Sciences, 2024; 14(1): 27.
MASUR EF, et al. Infants’ Background Television Exposure During Play: Negative Relations to the Quantity and Quality of Mothers’ Speech and Infants’ Vocabulary Acquisition. First Language, 2016; 36(2): 109-123.
MUNDY P, et al. Development of Early Communication Skills in the First Two Years of Life. Infant Behavior and Development, 2013.
MUPPALLA SK, et al. Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Child Development: An Updated Review and Strategies for Management. Cureus, 2023; 15(6): e40608.
NWACHUKWU EC, et al. Impact of Screen Time on Language Development and Vocabulary Acquisition in Early Childhood: A Systematic Review. Cureus, 2025; 17(11): e97429.
PROVIDELLO CF, et al. Uso de Telas de Mão e Desenvolvimento da Linguagem: Percepção dos Pais para a Construção de Cartilha Orientativa. Revista CEFAC, 2023; 25(4).
SOCIEDADE BRASILEIRA DE PEDIATRIA. Cartilha de Desenvolvimento: 2 meses a 5 anos: aprenda os sinais. Aja cedo. São Paulo: Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria; 2024.
SUNDQVIST A, et al. A Longitudinal Study of the Relationship Between Children’s Exposure to Screen Media and Vocabulary Development. Acta Paediatrica, 2024; 113(3): 517-522.
TAN S, et al. Risk Factors for Delayed Speech in Children Aged 1–2 Years. Paediatrica Indonesiana, 2019; 59(2): 55-62.
VAN DEN HEUVEL M, et al. Mobile Media Device Use Is Associated With Expressive Language Delay in 18-Month-Old Children. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 2019; 40(2): 99-104.
WIJAYA S, et al. Parent Personality, Child Temperament, and Digital Media: Pathways to Language Development in Early Childhood. Developmental Psychology, 2025.