Tashkent Medical Academy, Urganch Branch

Faculty of Pediatrics, 1st-year student

Department: Pediatrics

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE

Topic:

“The Impact of Digital Devices on Early Childhood Development: A Focus on Speech, Behavior, and Nervous System”

Author: Dilbar Aminova Kholmurod kizi ,1st-year student, Pediatrics Department

Scientific advisor: Gozal Sherzodovna

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THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT: A FOCUS ON SPEECH, BEHAVIOR, AND NERVOUS SYSTEM

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Introduction

Nowadays, digital technologies have become an inseparable part of our lives. Children are exposed to smartphones, tablets, and television screens at a very early age. This situation raises concern among both parents and healthcare professionals. Excessive use of digital devices can negatively affect a child’s natural development. In particular, these tools strongly influence a child’s rapidly developing speech, mental state, and nervous system. This article analyzes these issues in detail.

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Main Part

1. Effects on Speech Development

Speech development is one of the most important processes in early childhood. A child begins acquiring language basics during the first three years of life. During this period, the child should interact with parents and the environment, hear sounds, repeat them, and learn new words.

Digital devices hinder active participation in this process. According to statistics, children who spend more than 2 hours per day watching TV or using a phone are three times more likely to experience speech delays. Visual images on the screen may attract attention but cannot replace real communication.

2. Impact on Behavior and Social Development

Addiction to gadgets changes the emotional state of young children. They often become irritable, more capricious, and emotionally distant from parents. When a phone or tablet is taken away, children may show aggression, cry, or scream.

Such children may face difficulties in socializing, playing with peers, or participating in group activities. This can later lead to problems with adaptation in school and other social environments.

3. Effect on Nervous System and Sleep

The central nervous system of young children is still developing. Bright light, sound, and moving images from screens overstimulate the nervous system.

As a result, children may suffer from sleep disorders, decreased vision, reduced attention, chronic fatigue, and headaches. Studies have shown that using screens at night reduces melatonin production, which affects sleep quality and prevents proper body restoration.

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Solutions and Recommendations

It is recommended not to expose children under 2 years of age to phones, tablets, or television at all.

For children aged 2–5, screen time should not exceed 1 hour per day.

Parents should engage in live communication with their children, draw pictures together, read books, listen to music, and spend time outdoors.

Avoid using digital devices to distract or soothe the child.

Parents should be good role models and limit their own screen time in front of children.

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Conclusion

Although digital devices offer convenience, we must seriously consider their effects on the health of young children. Issues like speech delay, behavioral problems, irritability, and sleep disturbances hinder healthy development.

Every parent and pediatrician should understand the proper use of digital tools according to a child’s age. Only with conscious and responsible approaches can we raise a healthy, mentally, and emotionally stable generation.

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References:

1. WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Sleep for Children Under 5 Years (2019)

2. Christakis D.A. et al. (2004). Early Television Exposure and Subsequent Attentional Problems in Children. Pediatrics

3. UNICEF. The State of the World’s Children 2023

4. Methodical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Pediatrics

5. Modern Pediatrics Textbooks and Journals, 2022–2024