Precocious puberty associated with the use of digital media (screen time/social networks): a systematic review of the literature.

Authors

  • Bruno Rodrigues dos Santos Fernandes Author
  • Thiago Dutra Ramos Braña Author
  • Carolina Pontes Soares Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69849/vd5t4356

Keywords:

Precocious puberty, Screen time, Digital media, Sedentary behavior, Sleep

Abstract

Precocious puberty is characterized by the onset of secondary sexual characteristics before the age of eight in girls and nine in boys, with potential physical, psychosocial, and metabolic consequences. Concurrently, exposure of children and adolescents to digital media (screen time, including social media) has increased, with potential impacts on sleep patterns, physical activity, and body composition—factors capable of influencing activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. Objective: To analyze, through a systematic review, the relationship between exposure to screens/digital media and outcomes related to precocious puberty or advanced pubertal development. Methods: The review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO. Results: A total of 245 records were identified; after duplicate removal and screening, six observational studies were included. Overall, the studies suggest that sedentary behavior, excess weight, and sleep disturbances—frequently associated with increased screen time—are related to earlier pubertal onset, particularly in girls; however, the direct association with screen time alone was heterogeneous. Conclusion: The literature indicates that behaviors linked to digital media use may contribute to earlier pubertal development mainly through mediating mechanisms (sedentary behavior, weight gain, and sleep), highlighting the need for longitudinal studies with standardized measurement of digital exposure and appropriate control of confounders.

References

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Published

2026-03-30

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 156 (2026): Revista ft issue 156

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Bruno Rodrigues dos Santos Fernandes, Thiago Dutra Ramos Braña, Carolina Pontes Soares (Autor)

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How to Cite

Fernandes, B. R. dos S. ., Braña, T. D. R. ., & Soares, C. P. . (2026). Precocious puberty associated with the use of digital media (screen time/social networks): a systematic review of the literature. Revista Ft, 30(156), 01-14. https://doi.org/10.69849/vd5t4356