Prolonged exposure to screens would have many consequences for the physical and mental health of children and adolescents, alerted the National Academy of Medicine in a press release published Thursday and relayed by BFM TV. The misuse of smartphones, tablets and computers would indeed induce “retinal phototoxicity and dysregulation of the sleep-wake rhythm”. Several tips have been given to limit these harmful effects.
Because the National Academy of Sciences recalls it in the first place. For them, digital is “a remarkable tool for training and awakening”. Provided, however, that their use by the youngest is supervised.
Damage to the retina
Thus, for the Academy, digital tools are not beneficial to children under three years old. Beyond that, parents and educators must support these practices by emphasizing interactivity and play.
And above all, there are certain risks to be aware of. In its press release, the Academy of Medicine recalls that LEDs emit a peak of blue light emission, which can damage the retinal photoreceptors “ensuring fine vision, reading, writing and colored vision”. To limit these destructive effects, the council therefore recommends the use of protective glasses once morest blue light.
sleep disorders
Moreover, the use of screens at night should be avoided, for several reasons. First, it would prevent the regeneration of retinal photo-pigments, which must take place in complete darkness. Then, exposure to blue light also presents the risk of “desynchronization of the internal clock”, which can lead to sleep-wake rhythm disturbances.
The Academy of Medicine also specifies that according to its figures, 14% of middle school students and 29% of high school students sleep less than 7 hours on school days. This lack of sleep induces fatigue which can lead to learning problems, a drop in school results, even mood disorders, behavioral disorders with violence and hyperactivity, or even metabolic disturbances. So many dangers to which adolescents should be made aware at school, for the Academy of Medicine.
