The Impact of Excessive Screen Time on the Cognitive and Social Development of Daycare Children Aged 12 Months to 5 Years

Abstract

This thematic-based literature review analyzes 20 peer-reviewed studies to examine the effects of excessive screen time on children under the age of five. Excessive screen time is defined as more than two hours per day. The review identifies key findings that highlight how prolonged screen exposure impacts cognitive, social, and emotional development. Furthermore, it explores evidence-based strategies for parents and educators to mitigate these effects and foster responsible supervision and guidance in screen use. The review also integrates perspectives from Montessori education and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to propose developmentally appropriate approaches to digital engagement in early childhood.

Keywords: Screen time, early childhood, excessive use, Montessori, SEL, parental guidance