ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE A EXPOSIÇÃO A ECRÃS E SINTOMATOLOGIA DEPRESSIVA NOS ADOLESCENTES: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DE ESTUDOS LONGITUDINAIS

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a critical period for mental health, with depression representing one of the leading causes of morbidity. In parallel, exposure to screen-based technologies has increased rapidly, raising concerns about its potential impact on adolescent depression. This systematic review aimed to synthesize longitudinal evidence on the association between screen time and subsequent depressive symptoms in adolescents. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science was conducted for longitudinal studies published up to February 2025. Eligible studies included individuals aged 10-19 years, assessed screen time exposure through any device or activity and reported on depressive symptoms outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: 31 longitudinal studies were included. A narrative synthesis was performed due to substantial study heterogeneity , including differences in screen time definitions, exposure and outcome assessment, and analytic strategies. A small positive association was observed between total screen time and subsequent depressive symptoms, though the direction and strength of the relationship varied across devices and activities. Internet and smartphone use were consistently associated with increased risk, whereas video game, television and video showed predominantly no association. Evidence for social media and computer use, and screen-based communication was inconsistent. Sex appeared to moderate the association, with female adolescents showing greater vulnerability. Other potential moderators and mediators were inconsistently reported. Substantial heterogeneity was observed, reflecting differences in screen time definitions, exposure and outcome assessment, and analytic strategies. Conclusion: Screen time is prospectively associated with increased depressive symptoms in adolescents. However, this effect is small and dependent on screen engagement patterns and individual characteristics. These findings support recommendations to limit prolonged recreational screen use among adolescents. Future research should adopt standardized definitions and objective measures for screen time, while considering screen content and inherent motivations, to better guide the rational use of screen-based technologies.