THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF DIGITAL GADGETS ON THE HEALTH OF SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, AND NEUROLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES

Background: The proliferation of digital devices — smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles — among school-age children and adolescents has transformed childhood environments, with associated health consequences that are increasingly recognized as significant public health concerns. Objective: This article systematically reviews evidence on the negative health impacts of excessive gadget use among school children, including musculoskeletal, ophthalmological, neurological, psychological, and sleep-related consequences. Methods: Narrative review of peer-reviewed literature, systematic reviews, and international health organization reports published between 2010 and 2024. Results: Excessive screen time is associated with myopia progression, musculoskeletal disorders, sleep disruption, attention deficits, anxiety, depression, and social developmental delays. The Andijon region of Uzbekistan and similar Central Asian school-age populations are at elevated risk due to rapidly increasing device penetration without commensurate health literacy. Conclusion: Evidence-based digital health guidelines, school health programs, and parental education campaigns are critical to mitigate the adverse health effects of unregulated gadget use in children.