Digital media and child health: Navigating the impact of screen time on early childhood development

With the exponential rise in digital media usage, understanding the impacts of screen time on early childhood development has become imperative. This review synthesizes current evidence on the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social effects of digital media usage in young children. It examines established guidelines, identifies potential benefits and risks, and offers practical recommendations for pediatricians and parents to optimize screen time practices, balancing technology's educational potential with the critical developmental needs of children.