As technology has developed, electronic devices have become essential to people's everyday lives and education, influencing a variety of life, including kids' daily schedules. The prevalence of these digital devices among children has increased significantly with technological advancements. <br /> According to surveys, the smartphone and tablet ownership rates among 1-3-year-old children in Shanghai, China, have reached 96.5% and 89.4%, respectively [1]. In the UK, many children start using devices such as tablets at the age of two [2].This phenomenon primarily stems from the attractiveness of digital devices to children, as they provide a diverse range of content and entertainment, enabling children to watch videos, play games, listen to music or stories, and even engage in learning and creative activities. Particularly, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the opportunities for children to learn online increased significantly, leading to more children engaging with and using digital products for educational purposes. <br /> However, as the prevalence of digital devices continues to rise, the negative impact they have on children's development is becoming increasingly prominent, such as harming vision and disrupting academic performance [3]. Research indicates that inappropriate use of digital devices can have various adverse effects on children, including excessive dependence on digital products, lack of concentration and obsessive symptoms, stress, self-absorption, inferiority, and decreased academic performance.<br />Children's cognitive function forms the basis for their understanding and interpretation of the world including the following aspects:<br />1. Perceptual abilities: These form the basis for understanding the world, with sensations being unprocessed information from various sensory organs, and perceptions being organized, giving meaning to the sensed information [5].<br />2. Attention: It is the ability to select and concentrate on specific information. for children[5].<br />3. Memory: Memory is the storage and reproduction of past experiences. The basic processes of memory include encoding, storage, and retrieval or recognition [5].<br />4. Thinking abilities: Thinking abilities are a significant manifestation of cognitive abilities, representing the higher stages of cognitive activity.<br />5. Problem-solving and reasoning abilities are essential components of thinking abilities [5].<br /> As the time and frequency of children's use of digital devices increase, scholars have become increasingly concerned about the impact of digital device usage on children's cognitive abilities. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the effects of digital device usage on children's cognitive function and to establish relevant rules and policies for children's digital device usage. This paper synthesizes existing research to arrive at conclusions on this.<br />Main Findings and Perspectives of Relevant Domestic and International Studies<br />1. Impact of Children's Digital Device Usage on Attention:<br /> Research has shown that excessive use of digital devices by children may be associated with delayed language development. For instance, frequent television viewing and digital device usage are related to less verbal interaction and smaller vocabulary development in children [7]. Additionally, for preschool children, the use of smartphones and tablets may diminish their oral language abilities [8]. However, some research indicates that the targeted and appropriate use of digital devices can promote children's language development. For example, interactive applications and educational games can provide rich vocabulary and speech stimuli, assisting children in expanding their language.<br />2. Potential Effects of Children's Digital Device Usage on Memory and Learning Abilities. <br /> Studies have found that prolonged use of digital devices may impair children's memory and learning abilities. For example, excessive engagement in electronic games and social media might lead to decreased academic performance and reduced learning motivation. Furthermore, frequent screen use is associated with diminished working memory and suboptimal learning outcomes in children [9]. However, some research suggests that the proper use of digital devices can create an environment that enhances learning and memory. For instance, educational applications and online learning resources can offer children personalized, interactive, and multimedia learning experiences, fostering their learning outcomes and memory capabilities(10). <br /> In summary, both domestic and international research extensively discuss the effects of children's digital device usage on attention, language development, and memory and learning abilities. Despite some disparities in research findings, the majority of studies suggest that the targeted and appropriate use of digital devices may benefit children's cognitive development. Therefore, parents and educators need to pay attention to content selection, duration of usage, and interactive methods concerning children's use of digital devices, making utmost efforts to promote children's healthy growth and learning development.<br />References:<br />[1] Niu, M., Zhang, Y., & Zhou, J. Survey on the use of electronic devices among children aged 1-3 in Shanghai [J].Shanghai Education Research, 2018(2), 56-60.<br />[2] Prensky, M. Digital natives, digital immigrants part 2: Do they really think differently? [J]. On the horizon, 2001,9(6), 1-6.<br />[3] Dong, C., Cao, S., Li, H. Young children’s online learning during COVID-19 pandemic: Chinese parents’ beliefsand attitudes [J]. Children and Youth Services Review, 2020, 118, 105440.<br />[4] Cao, S., & Li, H. The impact of early digital device use experiences on young children's executive functions:Progress and policy implications from brain and cognition research [J]. Early Childhood Development, 2022(04),5-15.<br />[5] Peng, D. General Psychology [M]. Beijing: Beijing Normal University Press, 2019.<br />[6] Zhai, J., Chen, Y., & Wang, X. Mobile devices promote children's learning in outdoor natural environments: Asystematic analysis based on empirical research abroad [J]. Modern Distance Education, 2021(05), 43-51.DOI:10.13927/j.cnki.yuan.20211002.003.<br />[7] Wang, Y., & Chen, Z. Cognitive and language characteristics of children with Williams syndrome andrehabilitation implications [J]. Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2023, 38(04), 561-566.<br />[8] Zhu, Y. Research on the current situation of the use of educational apps by preschool children in rural areas ofChina [D]. Huazhong Normal University, 2020. DOI:10.27159/d.cnki.ghzsu.2020.001831.<br />[9] Chen, J., & Jiang, R. Expert research findings: Screen exposure has multiple impacts on early childhooddevelopment [EB/OL]. 2022-06-07. <br />[10] Marc Palaus, Raquel Viejo-Sobera, Diego Redolar-Ripoll, Elena M Marrón. Cognitive Enhancement viaNeuromodulation and Video Games: Synergistic Effects? [J]. Front Hum Neurosci. 2020 Jun 19;14:235. doi:10.3389/fnhum.2020.00235. <br /> د. زهراء طارق حسون