Screens are ubiquitous in modern homes, with most families owning multiple devices. Children are using them too, raising valid concerns about their impact on young health and development.
A comprehensive study by Santé Publique France (2006-2015) found that children and adolescents aged 6-17 spend an average of 4h11min daily in front of screens. Pediatric experts warn of potential risks. Speech therapist Elsa Job-Pigeard, speaking on France Inter, highlights how excessive screen use leads to language delays, interaction disorders, and communication challenges, deeming it a public health issue.
Pediatrician Sylvie Dieu Osika advises against banning tablets and smartphones outright but emphasizes learning to manage them responsibly. Parents should avoid screens in the morning, during meals, and before bedtime. She notes that screens offer little benefit for children under 6. Dr. Dieu Osika frequently sees two-year-olds who say hardly a word and teens with severe sleep disruptions. Importantly, these effects are reversible with reduced exposure.
In 2018, renowned French psychiatrist Boris Cyrulnik called for banning tablets for children under 3, citing harm to brain development and empathy. He described screens as creating an addictive, hypnotic effect that disrupts neural growth.
British physician Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, in 2019, linked rising mental health disorders and anxiety in youth to screen time. He recommends cutting daily exposure while prioritizing nutrition, sleep, and physical or recreational activities.
Related Articles:
