Indonesian Journal Health Science and Medicine
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): July

The Physiological, Behavioral and Psychological Impact of Excessive Use of Smart Devices in Children : Dampak Fisiologis, Perilaku, dan Psikologis dari Penggunaan Perangkat Cerdas yang Berlebihan pada Anak-Anak

Amal Fadil Noori Radi (Department of Maternal and Child Health Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Karbala)
Hadeel Thaer Ahmed Al-Najem (Department of Anesthesia , College of Health and Medical Techniques/Kufa, Al_Furat Al_Awsat Technical University, 31003 Al-Kufa)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Apr 2026

Abstract

General Background: The rapid expansion of digital technology has made smart devices an integral part of daily life, including among children. Specific Background: Increasing exposure to smartphones has raised concerns regarding physical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes in early childhood. Knowledge Gap: Limited integrated evidence exists on how excessive device use simultaneously relates to health, sleep, behavior, and educational aspects in children. Aims: This study aims to examine the effects of excessive smart device use on children’s health, sleep patterns, behavior, and educational engagement. Results: Findings indicate that 43.5% of parents observed vision problems, 56.9% reported sleep disturbances, and notable proportions identified behavioral changes such as irritability and aggression. Additionally, 44% reported eye-related issues and a considerable number of children experienced neck or back discomfort. Educational use of devices was inconsistent, with many parents reporting no observable improvement in learning outcomes. Novelty: The study integrates multiple dimensions of child development within a single descriptive framework using parental perspectives. Implications: The findings highlight the importance of parental supervision, time regulation, and guided device use to reduce potential risks and promote balanced child development. Keywords: Smart Devices, Child Health, Screen Time, Behavioral Changes, Sleep Disturbance Key Findings Highlights High prevalence of reported visual and sleep-related disturbances among children Behavioral responses indicate dependency and emotional instability Educational utilization remains inconsistent and often unclear

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijhsm

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health Veterinary

Description

Focus: The Indonesian Journal on Health Science and Medicine (IJHSM) focus to advance the field of health science and medicine by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research articles, reviews, and case studies. Our journal serves as a platform for researchers, clinicians, and healthcare ...