The harmful of excessive screem time during covid-19: an integrative review

Abstract

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the use of electronic devices such as television, computers, video games, cell phones, and tablets, which were already commonly used but without proper awareness of screen time. High levels of screen time were already studied and proven to cause behavioral disorders, anxiety, depression, and attention problems in children and youth before the COVID-19 pandemic, although causality cannot be defined. Objective: The objective of this study is to discuss the real harm caused by excessive screen time on physical and psychological behavior, comparing the pre-, during-, and post-pandemic periods. Materials and Methods: This is an integrative review with analysis of articles published during the pandemic period, with analysis of the content of the publications. Results and Discussion: There are hypotheses regarding the reduction of social interaction among children and adolescents due to the use of screens, which hinders the development of personal interactions with caregivers and peers. Anger, frustration, and irritability are properly related to increased screen time, making screen consumption constant. Conclusion: It was found that there was a correlation between a significant increase in screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health problems. Therefore, it is up to parents, guardians, health and education professionals to supervise and control children's screen time more effectively, trying to replace screen time with outdoor play and stimulating social interaction and physical activity.