Child cognitive development is influenced by family and environmental factors, including technology use and screen time. With the increasing presence of digital devices in households, it is essential to understand how these factors interact with children’s cognitive development to support more effective interventions and educational practices.

s: The study aimed to investigate family factors that impact child cognitive development, measured by the balanced Bayley Cognitive score, with an emphasis on technology use and screen time.

The research adopted a quantitative and correlational approach, with a cross-sectional and observational design. Participants included children aged 24 to 42 months, enrolled in municipal early childhood education centers, and their respective parents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, which addressed technology use, screen time for both parents and children, and device ownership. The quality of the home environment for stimulation was assessed using the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development (AHEMD) instrument, and vocabulary acquisition was measured using the TvAud Vocabulary Test. After confirming data normality, correlations between variables were analyzed using Pearson’s test.

The analysis revealed positive correlations between mothers’ ownership of computers and televisions and children’s cognitive scores (computer: r = 0.288; p = 0.026; television: r = 0.360; p = 0.005). Mothers’ screen time on computers and televisions during the week also positively correlated with children’s cognitive performance (computer: r = 0.336; p = 0.016; television: r = 0.328; p = 0.020). Total screen time for both mothers and children also showed a positive association with cognitive scores (mother: r = 0.322; p = 0.024; child: r = 0.300; p = 0.026). Additionally, the consumption of digital content, such as YouTube and TikTok, showed a significant correlation (r = 0.314; p = 0.019). Regarding vocabulary, a negative correlation was observed between the number of errors on the tests and cognitive scores (r = -0.634; p < 0.0001). Fine motor toys also demonstrated significant positive correlations (r = 0.369; p = 0.003).

The results highlight that family factors, such as technology ownership, screen time, and home stimulation factors, significantly impact cognitive development. A family environment that balances technology use with playful activities can promote healthier development.

The findings underscore the importance of considering parents’ technological habits and the quality of home stimulation when designing interventions for child cognitive development. It is recommended to create educational programs to raise awareness about the impact of screen time and encourage practices that enhance cognitive and motor skills. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of these factors.