THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

The present study examines the impact of digital devices on language development in early childhood, using a systematic review of 15 key studies conducted between 2009 and 2023. The aim is to analyze the effects of screen time on language, cognitive and socio-emotional development in children unde...

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Main Authors: Nevena MALINCHEVA, Katerina SHTEREVA
Format: Article
Language:Bulgarian
Published: South-West University "Neofit Rilski" Publishing House 2025-07-01
Series:Езиков свят
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ezikovsvyat.swu.bg/images/stories/issue_23_2_red/3.Malincheva_Shtereva_34-46.pdf
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author Nevena MALINCHEVA
Katerina SHTEREVA
author_facet Nevena MALINCHEVA
Katerina SHTEREVA
author_sort Nevena MALINCHEVA
collection DOAJ
description The present study examines the impact of digital devices on language development in early childhood, using a systematic review of 15 key studies conducted between 2009 and 2023. The aim is to analyze the effects of screen time on language, cognitive and socio-emotional development in children under the age of five. The systematic search strategy involved the use of scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, with clearly defined selection criteria focusing on studies that investigate the influence of screen time on language development in young children. The results indicate that excessive screen time, particularly in children who are under two years old, is associated with delays in expressive and receptive language skills. The studies reveal that an early and prolonged exposure to digital devices leads to structural changes in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for cognitive control and language processing. This results in long-term consequences, including difficulties in learning and socialization. On the other hand, the role of parents is crucial in mitigating these negative effects. The studies emphasize that active parental involvement in children's media activities, as well as control over screen time, can significantly reduce the risk of language deficits. The influence of digital media on socio-emotional development is also significant, with excessive screen time leading to problems with emotional regulation and social interactions. These findings underscore the need to limit screen time and promote social interaction and active communication for healthy child development.
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publishDate 2025-07-01
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spelling doaj-art-eec8ed70783a453d90261a2bf63545532025-08-20T02:42:15ZbulSouth-West University "Neofit Rilski" Publishing HouseЕзиков свят1312-04842603-40262025-07-012323446https://doi.org/10.37708/ezs.swu.bg.v23i2.3THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEWNevena MALINCHEVA0https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3988-4853Katerina SHTEREVA1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8982-3625Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", BulgariaSofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski", BulgariaThe present study examines the impact of digital devices on language development in early childhood, using a systematic review of 15 key studies conducted between 2009 and 2023. The aim is to analyze the effects of screen time on language, cognitive and socio-emotional development in children under the age of five. The systematic search strategy involved the use of scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, with clearly defined selection criteria focusing on studies that investigate the influence of screen time on language development in young children. The results indicate that excessive screen time, particularly in children who are under two years old, is associated with delays in expressive and receptive language skills. The studies reveal that an early and prolonged exposure to digital devices leads to structural changes in the brain, particularly in areas responsible for cognitive control and language processing. This results in long-term consequences, including difficulties in learning and socialization. On the other hand, the role of parents is crucial in mitigating these negative effects. The studies emphasize that active parental involvement in children's media activities, as well as control over screen time, can significantly reduce the risk of language deficits. The influence of digital media on socio-emotional development is also significant, with excessive screen time leading to problems with emotional regulation and social interactions. These findings underscore the need to limit screen time and promote social interaction and active communication for healthy child development.https://ezikovsvyat.swu.bg/images/stories/issue_23_2_red/3.Malincheva_Shtereva_34-46.pdflanguage developmentearly childhooddigital devicesscreen timecognitive developmentbrain structureparental involvement
spellingShingle Nevena MALINCHEVA
Katerina SHTEREVA
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Езиков свят
language development
early childhood
digital devices
screen time
cognitive development
brain structure
parental involvement
title THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
title_full THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
title_fullStr THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
title_full_unstemmed THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
title_short THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD – A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
title_sort impact of digital devices on language development in early childhood a systematic review
topic language development
early childhood
digital devices
screen time
cognitive development
brain structure
parental involvement
url https://ezikovsvyat.swu.bg/images/stories/issue_23_2_red/3.Malincheva_Shtereva_34-46.pdf
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