Impacto del Uso Temprano de Dispositivos Digitales en el Desarrollo Cognitivo de Niños de 3 A 4 Años

The early use of digital devices in 3- to 4-year-old children has generated debate about their effects on cognitive development. This study, conducted in an educational institution in Ecuador, explores how information and communication technologies (ICT) influence the cognitive skills of preschool children. Through a survey applied to parents, the time of use, type of devices, and perceptions about the educational use of ICTs were analyzed. The results revealed that children spend considerable time on recreational activities such as social networks and video games, while educational use is limited. Despite concerns about the negative effects of excessive device use, most parents enforce rules and supervise ICT use, highlighting the importance of adult mediation in this context. This study highlights the need to balance the use of ICTs to maximize their educational benefits and minimize the risks to children's cognitive development.