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The purpose of this article is to analyze the main psychosocial effects caused by the use of technologies in childhood and confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal negative impacts on child development, associated with the excessive use of technological devices. In particular, harmful effects are evident on the mental, physical and emotional health of children, and these in turn are related to poor academic performance. Regarding mental health, there is a higher prevalence of disorders such as anxiety, depression, stress, sleep disorders and addictions to video games and mobile devices. In physical health, there is a sedentary lifestyle and lack of active breaks, which affects diseases such as musculoskeletal diseases, obesity and eating disorders. Regarding emotional health, deficits in social skills and self-esteem problems are observed. Longitudinal studies have shown that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, withdrawal, thought disorder, anxiety, depression and childhood thought disorder were identified as psychopathological risk factors. In this regard, challenges and possible solutions are presented for addressing this problem from family and school environments, with emphasis on the importance of establishing clear limits on the use of technology, both in terms of screen time and the type of content accessible, as well as promoting digital literacy so that children can make informed and safe decisions online. In addition, the need to develop prevention-oriented strategies is highlighted, through the identification and intervention of modifiable factors, which involve collaboration between parents, educators and health professionals, and contribute to the generation of healthy digital environments for children and their overall well-being.

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