The omnipresence of screens in children's and adolescents' lives is undeniable. Whether for entertainment, education, or communication, daily screen use has become almost inevitable.
However, this hyperconnectivity raises significant concerns about its impacts on young people's health and well-being. In January 2024, the President of the Republic established a Commission of experts to assess children's exposure to screens.
Their report, titled "Children and Screens: In Search of Lost Time," raises crucial questions about the impact of digital technology on education and the dangers of screens. Below is an overview of the risks identified by the commission.
This image might look familiar? It’s indeed a common sight these days, and for good reason:
| Age Groups | ENNS Study (2006-2007) | INCA2 Study (2006-2007) | INCA3 Study (2014-2015) | Esteban Study (2014-2016) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-6 years | 2h07 | 2h00 | 1h47 | Not Available |
| 7-10 years | 2h47 | 2h22 | 2h28 | 3h07 |
| 11-14 years | 3h31 | 3h12 | 3h38 | 4h48 |
| 15-17 years | 3h27 | 3h50 | 4h50 | 5h24 |
| All minors | 2h57 | 2h48 | 3h05 | 4h11 |
Source: Commission based on data from studies conducted for ANSES and Public Health France
According to data from ANSES and Public Health France, children aged 3 to 6 years spend an average of 2 hours per day in front of screens. For all minors, the average is 3 hours and 30 minutes. This excessive consumption is considerable and detrimental to their health. Indeed, the screen time for young people has been increasing for several years.
Source: Statista
Television remains the primary screen used by children, but tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles are gaining popularity among young people. The report also reveals exposure to screens in public spaces (advertising billboards) and public places (waiting rooms, public transport)..jpg)
Several factors influence the time children spend in front of screens. The geographical area or the Socio-Professional Category (CSP) of the parents have a significant impact on the screen time of children and adolescents. In general, the higher the parents' level of education, the less time their children spend in front of screens. Conversely, children of parents with lower education levels are more likely to be more exposed.
Screen exposure promotes sedentary behavior, contributing to the increase in overweight and obesity among children. In 1990, 2.5% of 5-year-olds were obese; this rate rose to over 9.5% in 2020. This increase is not solely due to screens but remains very alarming.
Hours spent in front of screens are often hours less dedicated to physical activities. This inactivity also leads to associated pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, highlighting the danger of screens.
Source: Statista
Intensive screen use can negatively affect children's cognitive development. It can lead to concentration difficulties, antisocial behaviors, and addiction risks.
Social media, in particular, can exacerbate these effects by creating environments of social comparison and constant pressure. Stimulating and fast-paced content on screens can lead to sensory overload and excessively captivate young children's attention. This can harm their ability to concentrate on calmer activities and develop sustained attention. Moreover, excessive screen use can lead to isolation, socialization problems, and language issues.
Hyperconnectivity among young children poses a major problem for speech and language development. Children spend less time talking when they are in front of screens, harming their linguistic development. According to Public Health France, children exposed to screens in the morning before school are three times more likely to develop primary language disorders.
Additionally, those who grow up in environments with rare verbal interactions are six times more likely to develop such disorders. This can create communication and socialization problems. The danger of screens is evident, highlighting the need for regulation.
Prolonged screen exposure leads to various eye disorders, including visual fatigue, dry eye syndrome (typically associated with aging), and temporary visual disturbances. The blue light emitted by screens is particularly harmful to the eyes and can increase the risk of myopia.
In 2016, a study by the Krys Foundation revealed that 81% of ophthalmologists observed a 14% increase in myopia cases among children and adolescents over the past ten years. Jean-Paul Renard, a professor of ophthalmology and researcher, even speaks of a "real myopia epidemic."
Internet access amplifies the danger of screens by exposing young people to online harassment. They may face mockery, intimidation, or threats. The consequences can be severe, ranging from emotional distress to more serious impacts on mental health.
Allow us to share a poignant story that highlights the painful consequences of cyberbullying and the danger of screens:
Konbini "À voix haute" – Testimony of Anne-Liz on cyberbullying
Parental control and raising awareness among young people about cyberbullying can reduce these risks.
Screens, especially when used in the evening, negatively impact children's sleep. The blue light emitted by screens suppresses the synthesis of melatonin, an essential hormone for sleep, delaying sleep onset and disrupting the circadian rhythm. Studies show that adolescents sleep an average of less than 7 hours per night on weekdays, while recommendations suggest 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night.
Lack of sleep can have lasting effects on concentration, academic performance, and mental health. Sleep-deprived children are more likely to experience mood disorders, anxiety, and cognitive difficulties..jpg)
Young people are often exposed to inappropriate content, including pornography and violent or traumatic content. Approximately 36% of 11-18-year-olds have been exposed to pornographic scenes. This exposure can have harmful effects on their psychological balance and safety.
Exposure to inappropriate content can harm children's mental health, leading to anxiety, fear, and confusion.
Screens present significant risks to young people's health, such as sleep disorders, sedentary behavior, vision problems, exposure to inappropriate content, and negative impacts on behavior and cognition. The danger of screens is real and concerning.
A balanced and informed approach from parents is essential to minimize these risks and allow children to benefit from digital technologies.
Here are some practical recommendations from the expert committee to limit screen time:
|
Practical Recommendations for Limiting Screen Time |
Target Audience |
Implementation Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Strengthen the recommendation not to expose children under 3 years old to screens |
Parents, nurseries, childminders |
Ban screens in nurseries and with childminders |
|
Discourage screen use until 6 years old, with strongly limited use for educational content and accompanied by an adult |
Parents, kindergartens |
Raise parental awareness, ban screens in kindergarten except for specific needs |
|
Moderate and controlled screen exposure after 6 years old |
Parents, schools |
Promote alternative activities, limit daily screen time |
|
No phone before 11 years old, a phone without internet from 11 years old, connected phone without social networks from 13 years old, ethical social networks from 15 years old |
Parents, adolescents, schools |
Awareness campaigns, regulation of phone distribution and use in schools |
|
Promote alternative content and develop screen-free activities |
Local communities, schools, associations |
Create street libraries, screen-free playgrounds, public spaces with board games and book boxes |
|
Raise awareness and train parents and childcare professionals |
Parents, teachers, educators |
Continuous training programs, information campaigns on good screen practices |
However, it is practically impossible to completely disconnect from digital technology. When used well, technologies optimize educational pathways, enhance inclusivity, and broaden access to education.
Technologies offer isolated or disadvantaged students the opportunity to access online courses. This is notably the case in French Guiana, where the lack of schools makes access to education difficult for many isolated Amazonian children. Since September 2023, the "Connected Guiana: Bridging the Gaps" project allows several isolated villages to receive live lessons from the nearest middle school in a dedicated classroom.
Similarly, technologies enable personalized educational pathways tailored to each student's individual needs, adapting to their academic levels for optimal understanding. This approach is significantly different from traditional classes, which often consist of an average of 35 students for one teacher. The Duolingo app illustrates this approach well, using artificial intelligence to personalize lessons according to each user's level and gradually adjusting their learning path over time.
This is also particularly notable in higher education, where the adoption of artificial intelligences, Learning Management Systems (LMS), or augmented learning has become common.
Ultimately, digital technology offers numerous advantages in various fields such as education, communication, and access to information.
However, stricter regulations and controls are necessary to prevent the dangers of screens for the youngest. Without adequate supervision, they risk exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and other health risks related to excessive exposure. Therefore, a balanced approach is essential to optimize the benefits of digital technology while protecting young users.
To learn more, we recommend reading the report prepared by the Commission.
Happy reading!
