Consequences of Screen Time on Sleep Quality in Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review

Excessive use of electronic devices can negatively impact sleep quality in children and adolescents. This scoping review mapped the literature on the effects of screen time on sleep and identified research gaps.

Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 32 observational, experimental, and systematic review studies published up to 2025 were included (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and BVS). Screen time duration, device type, content, and exposure timing were analyzed.

Prolonged screen use before bedtime was associated with shorter sleep duration, increased sleep latency, and sleep fragmentation. Social media and video games were particularly linked to higher risks of insomnia and daytime sleepiness.

There is a lack of standardization in screen time definitions and measurement methods. Future research should evaluate interventions such as parental education programs, blue light filters, and nighttime screen use policies to mitigate screen time's negative impact on sleep quality in youth.