Analysis of excessive screen use and its impact on physical and mental health in children aged 3–5 years
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Abstract
This study examines the impact of excessive technology use on the physical and mental health of children aged 3 to 5 years, a particularly vulnerable group due to their developmental stage. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining semi-structured interviews with specialists, a focus group with university students, and a survey administered to 171 parents in Samborondón, Ecuador. The findings reveal that prolonged exposure to digital screens is associated with disruptions in basic routines (sleep, eating, and physical activity), behavioral problems, and difficulties in social interaction. Limited parental supervision and the frequent use of devices as a parenting tool were also identified. However, the study highlights opportunities when technology is used for educational purposes under adult guidance. The research concludes that setting clear limits and promoting playful, physical, and creative activities are essential to balance technology use in early childhood. Furthermore, it underscores the need to strengthen parental education regarding responsible technology use and to develop public policies that foster healthy digital environments. These results provide contextual evidence to guide pedagogical and family interventions in the Ecuadorian setting.
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Yeimer Prieto-López, Universidad Tecnológica ECOTEC - Ecuador
PhD in Educational Sciences. Bachelor of Education. Full Professor. Professor at the ECOTEC Technological University. Professor at the UEES Faculty of Humanities, Professor in the Master's Program in Educational Management at the UEES. Professor and Academic Director at the Liceo Los Delfines Bilingual Educational Unit. He has participated in several national and international events. He has more than seventy publications in indexed journals, such as WOS, Scopus, Dialnet, Latindex, and Scielo. He is a doctoral thesis advisor at the University of Rosario, Argentina, and the University of Holguín, Cuba. He has received more than three hundred hours of training in the area of Education and Pedagogy in 2024 and 2025.
Vanessa Betzabe Chichande-Zambrano, Universidad Tecnológica ECOTEC - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2434-127X
Student of Human Talent Management at Ecotec University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. Student of an English course in a municipal program. Currently in her fifth semester. She has completed the course on research methodology in 2025, developing a research project using scientific methods. She has attended 40 hours of classes on the research topic. She has implemented qualitative and quantitative methods to conduct research.
Gabriela Andrea Reyes-Santos, Universidad Tecnológica ECOTEC - Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2042- 0932
Student of International Business at Ecotec University, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, since 2024. Currently, she is in her third semester. Student of an English course at Join in English. Has had the opportunity to participate in the subject of Research Methodology in the current period, successfully completing 40 hours of classes. She formulates hypotheses and clear objectives with agility. Develops critical skills to evaluate information.
Renato Esteban Revelo-Oña, Universidad Central del Ecuador
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1463-0957
PhD candidate in Humanities and Arts, with a mention in Education from the National University of Rosario, Master's degree in Finance and Finance Engineering from the International University of Ecuador, Bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance from the Central University of Ecuador, General Editor of the magazine 593 Digital Publisher, member of the editorial committee of the Education magazine Saberes Andantes de Fe y Alegría, as well as the Andean Education magazine of the Simón Bolívar Andean University, President of the Research Network in Social Sciences and Humanities endorsed by the Central University of Ecuador, Consultant and advisor to the Ministry of Education on virtuality issues and the development of Financial Education, Consultant in Finance and business issues. Research professor recognized by SENESCYT at the Central University of Ecuador, work experience in the private and public sectors.
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