The use of digital devices and screen-based media among young children continues to rise alongside the rapid advancement of digital technology. This growing exposure raises concern among parents, educators, and health practitioners regarding its impact on child development during the golden age period (0-6 years). This study aims to examine the impact of screen time on early childhood development using a literature review method. Sources were obtained from national and international peer-reviewed journal articles accessed, then analyzed thematically. The review shows that excessive and unmanaged screen time is associated with disruptions in cognitive and brain development, language and speech ability, social-emotional behavior, and sleep and physical health. Nevertheless, these negative impacts can be mitigated through active parental mediation, age-appropriate content selection, and adherence to recommended screen time duration limits. This study recommends continuous parental education on healthy digital literacy from an early age.
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