The dangers of overexposure to screens
At the end of May, Le Monde published an opinion piece by a group of doctors on the dangers of overexposure to screens.
Since then, the debate has been reignited in the press and on social media around the place of smartphones, TVs, tablets and computers in our homes, particularly with young children (aged 0 to 4).
Numerous studies have shown that «high doses» of screen time can have consequences on children's development:
Attention and sleep disorders, hyperactivity, delayed language and development... these are just some of the consequences observed in young children aged 0 to 4.
«In the France Inter radio programme ’Le téléphone sonne« broadcast on 6 June 2017, Carole VANHOUTTE, a doctor at a maternal and child health centre, spoke about children being exposed to screens for up to 6-7 hours a day.»
At e-Enfance, we are alarmed by these figures and their consequences, so we wanted to offer you some advice to help you supervise your children's screen time (tablets, TV, smartphones).
What age for what screen?
There has been much discussion about Serge Tisseron's 3-6-9-12 rule, which has been supported in particular by a campaign by the CSA (French Broadcasting Authority). 
At e-Enfance, we are well aware that these «strict» recommendations are difficult to apply given the growing integration of technology into our daily lives. We also invite you to consult psychologist Sabine Duflo's «4-step» method.
How much screen time?
Opinions differ on this point. At e-Enfance, we prefer to talk about control based on the age of your children. A 4-year-old should not spend the same amount of time in front of screens as an 8-year-old or a 15-year-old. That is a fact. There is only one rule that applies here: « YOU MUST MONITOR YOUR CHILDREN'S USE OF THE INTERNET.. »
For example, a 4-year-old should not be playing the video games of their 15-year-old brother. To help you, there are parental control solutions tailored to each age group for all screens (TV/set-top box, smartphones, computers), which you can find at our parental control areal and for gaming consoles as well, such as the new Nintendo Swift, which has exemplary parental controls.
According to Samuel Comblez, child and adolescent psychologist and training manager at e-Enfance, it is important to assess a child's ability to turn away from their screen when you ask them to. Having to play for even just 30 minutes a day without being able to stop is more worrying than spending several hours playing but being able to interrupt the game at any time. It is up to the child to say STOP to the screen, not the screen to force them to stay. It is important to teach children, even very young ones, to take a break from the screen and move on to another activity without this change causing frustration.
How about we think positively?
«Yes, from a certain age onwards, screens, tablets, etc. are very useful tools for learning through play.
Of course, our mission is not to demonise screens! Quite the contrary! The e-Enfance association works daily to prevent misuse and promote the proper use of these technologies. However, we do encourage constant parental vigilance. .
Samuel Comblez believes that every parent has the ability to assess what is good for their child's development. Even if they are not experts in new technologies, all parents can judge the relevance or danger of a digital medium based on their own educational beliefs. It is important to trust yourself despite any concerns. Screens can be a barrier that isolates, but they can also be an opportunity to share an activity as a family. The question then is, as a parent, what purpose and use do you want the screen to serve? A child's development has many facets. It is important to consider them all. Manipulating, pretending, testing and developing the five senses are essential experiences for learning about one's body and developing one's relationship with the world. While screens can be stimulating for children, they do not allow them to have real experiences that are essential for their development.
Do you have any doubts, questions or need advice on screen use and the internet in general? Please do not hesitate to call 3018 or contact us via chat at https://e-enfance.org.
Our articles on the subject
Protecting young children from screens: e-Enfance / 3018 calls for stronger prevention measures
The DSA's new guidelines for protecting children online
Good digital habits for the new school year: a practical guide for families
AI danger: when artificial intelligence exposes minors to sexual content.
