Excessive mobile phone screen time has emerged as a major public health concern in children and adolescents due to the rapid penetration of smartphones into daily life at increasingly younger ages. Mobile phones differ from traditional screen-based media in their portability, constant accessibility, close viewing distance, and high level of personal engagement, all of which may amplify potential health risks. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the effects of excessive mobile phone screen time on children’s physical, psychological, visual, and developmental health. A comprehensive literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, and 68 peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2024 were included. Evidence consistently demonstrates that excessive mobile phone screen time is associated with sleep disturbances, increased risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms, higher prevalence of overweight and obesity, reduced physical activity, and a significantly increased risk of myopia. Sleep disruption and visual impairment show the strongest and most consistent associations, while mental health outcomes appear to be influenced by both duration and problematic patterns of use. The findings highlight the need for evidence-based screen time guidelines, early parental monitoring, and integrated public health strategies to mitigate the adverse health effects of excessive mobile phone use in children.

Mobile phone, screen time, children, mental health, sleep, myopia, obesity