Submit Manuscript | Track Article | Contact

Navigating the Digital Mind: A Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Perspective on Pediatric Screen Time

Authors

Dr. Aman Gupta*

Abstract

The proliferation of digital media has fundamentally altered the environmental landscape of childhood and adolescent development. As child and adolescent psychiatrists, we increasingly observe the downstream psychiatric and behavioral sequelae of excessive screen exposure. This article provides a comprehensive overview for general pediatricians on the neurobiological mechanisms, psychiatric clinical presentations, and diagnostic differentials associated with screen overexposure. By integrating psychiatric insights with primary care pediatrics, we outline actionable framework models for early identification, clinical intervention, and family-centered digital hygiene.

Keywords

Digital media Neurobiology Psychiatric sequelae Pediatrics Digital hygiene.

References

  1. Koepp MJ, Gunn RN, Lawrence AD, Herold S, Dagher A, Jones T, et al. Evidence for striatal dopamine release during a video game. Nature, 1998; 393(6682): 266-268.
  2. Tamana SK, Ezeugwu V, Chikuma J, Lapen PT, Mandhane MK. Screen-time is associated with inattention problems in preschoolers: Results from the CHILD birth cohort study. PLOS ONE, 2019; 14(4): e0213995.
  3. Cajochen C, Frey S, Anders D, Lucas J, Schatz S, et al. Evening exposure to a light-emitting diodes (LED)-backlit computer screen affects circadian physiology and cognitive performance. Journal of Applied Physiology, 2011; 110(5): 1432-1438.
  4. Twenge JM, Krizan Z. Adolescent sleep disturbance, electronic media use, and the depression crisis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2019; 47: 11-20.
  5. Christakis DA, Zimmerman FJ, DiGiuseppe DL, McCarty CA. Early television exposure and subsequent attentional problems in children. Pediatrics, 2004; 113(4): 708-713.
  6. Madigan S, Browne D, Racine N, Mori C, Tough S. Association between screen time and children's development: A longitudinal cohort study. JAMA Pediatrics, 2019; 173(3): 244-250.
  7. Dunckley VL. Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen Time. New World Library; 2015.
  8. Twenge JM, Campbell WK. Associations between screen time and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents: Evidence from a population-based study. Preventive Medicine Reports, 2018; 12: 271-283.
  9. Takeuchi H, Taki Y, Asano K, Asano M, Hashizume H, Nouchi R, et al. Impact of frequency of internet use on development of brain structures and verbal intelligence: Longitudinal analyses. Human Brain Mapping, 2018; 39(11): 4491-4502.
  10. Nesi J, Prinstein MJ. Using social media for comparison and feedback-seeking: Gender as a moderator of associations with adolescent depressive symptoms. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 2015; 43(8): 1427-1438.
  11. Council on Communications and Media, American Academy of Pediatrics. Media and young minds. Pediatrics, 2016; 138(5): e02162591.

Document Actions

Full Article Download
Article views: 23

Citation

Dr. Aman Gupta, (2026) Navigating the Digital Mind: A Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Perspective on Pediatric Screen Time. International Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical and Healthcare, 1(4), 36–38.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23839399