THE IMPACT OF EARLY SCREEN EXPOSURE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL INTERACTION AND COMMUNICATION IN CHILDREN

Silvana FILIPOVA, Adelina HASKAJ

Abstract

Social communication is the exchange of information, thoughts, emotions and intentions between people in a social context, through verbal and non-verbal means. It is the basis of human interaction and involves much more than just speaking – it includes understanding, adaptation and cooperation in real social situations. Objective: The aim of this research is to examine the impact of the time and period of screen exposure on the development of social interaction and communication in children from an early age. Method: The research included three groups of children depending on the period of screen exposure: (1) exposed before the first year, (2) exposed between the first and second year, and (3) exposed after the age of two. A total of 66 children were included, whose behavior was assessed through structured observation and analysis of parameters such as: visual contact, responsiveness to name calling, joint attention, social isolation, and type of play (functional, stereotyped, imaginative). Results: Children from the first and second groups showed significant deficits in all domains of social communication and interaction. It is particularly concerning that joint attention and imaginative play were completely absent in 100% of the children in these two groups. No disorders were recorded in the third group. All children established adequate eye contact, responded to their name, and demonstrated joint attention and imaginative play. Conclusion: Early exposure to screens (before the second year of life) is associated with serious impairments in social interaction and symbolic play in children. The time period of exposure appears to be a key factor for the potential risk.

Pages: 173 - 181