2024-01-17 16:54:00
The President of the Republic intends to regulate the use of screens “for our children”, on the basis of the recommendations of experts that he brought together last week and will submit their report in March, he declared during a press conference this Tuesday evening.
There will be “maybe bans” et “restrictions” for young users, he clarified in front of his almost entire ministers and numerous journalists gathered in the community hall of the Élysée.
According to a vast survey, published in April by Public Health France, cherubs spend more and more time in front of the TV, computer, tablets or smartphones.
This duration greatly exceeds the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which recommends not exposing children under 2 years old to screens, then limiting the time to 1 hour per day between 2 and 5 years old.
Digital tools are in fact accused of the worst evils: developmental delays, lower IQ, sleep disorders, academic difficulties, etc.
In his work The Power of the BabiesNawal Abboub, doctor in cognitive sciences from Paris-Cité University, invites nuance.
Are there studies clearly showing a negative impact of screens on children’s development?
Let’s be clear: no! Currently, no scientific study allows us to conclude that screens are responsible – on their own – for any developmental problem. What certain studies have shown, however, is that children who have a more fragile background – with developmental delays linked to genetic or environmental factors – look at screens more often. The problem is that this clarification is too often forgotten in prevention messages but also in the media, and this creates real fear among parents.
Does this mean that the TV, computer or tablets represent a “symptom” rather than the “cause” of the problem?
Exactly. In reality, it is not the screen itself that causes lower language scores, developmental delay or sleep problems, but it is mainly what happens within the family. Thus, the television – which would remain on by default – can be a solution quickly found by parents who lack time and opportunities around them. However, not talking to your child all day and leaving him in front of the TV can clearly delay his language. This is more of a communication problem within the home. What we need to understand is that this is not the fault of the screens alone. The trajectory of a child’s cognitive development depends on a multitude of factors, whether genetic, linked to the quality of the parent-child relationship, family history, etc. Thus, not all children are affected by significant screen time, and this does not necessarily represent a danger.
But then, why such demonization of screens?
Each technological advance has brought its share of fears and fears. From the printing press producing the first books through the arrival of radio then television and finally the Internet and smartphones… Throughout history, new tools have always questioned humans regarding the loss of intelligence and the impoverishment of the quality of our social relationships.
So parents can use screens without being afraid?
Obviously! But it’s all a question of balance: children shouldn’t spend too much time there. For its development, it needs a multitude of stimulation. Screens, used intelligently and for a limited time, can help learning. This is why it is useless to want to ban them absolutely.
The recent Elfe study reveals that 2-year-old children spend an average of 56 minutes per day in front of screens. A time which increases to 1h20 at 3 and a half years and 1h34 at 5 and a half years. Photo d’illustration Pexels.
Six tips for good use of digital tools
In his work The Power of Babies, Nawal Abboub gives advice on using digital tools.
According to this specialist, the over-media coverage of the dangers of these tools has ended up overshadowing the possible benefits for children.
Because yes, screens can also encourage creativity or language. As long as you use them wisely.
1. Select suitable content
For toddlers, nursery rhyme karaoke can be interesting. “This allows you to dance to the rhythm and initiate play with your hands, to capture the child’s attention.”
Interactive toys and books are also helpful for learning new sounds and words. Around 2-3 years old, we can watch short videos with stories regarding animals or heroes.
“We can discuss with them what they see, make them think regarding the behavior of the characters.”
2. Comment on what we see
If the whole family uses screens together, children are more likely to learn new words. The ideal is to ask questions like “Oh look, but what is that?” then wait for the child’s response.
To awaken him, we can try to make connections with what he already knows (“You saw, it’s a lion, the same as the stuffed animal you have in your room, the one you love!”
3. Use screens to see family and friends
Video calls and other tools for communicating remotely have advantages. “At first, the child is not able to converse. Then, little by little, he will interact in an increasingly synchronized manner with his interlocutors.”
Don’t hesitate to dramatize your gestures, increase your voice and speak a little louder to help your child learn language.
4. Balance screen time with other activities
You can create a schedule for classic activities such as naps, meals, reading, bathing, but also for screens. Please note that it is better to avoid them in the evening, before bed.
“This can excite the child and impact the quality and duration of sleep. It is better to opt for reading and a song at bedtime.”
5. Explain why we use these tools in small doses
Even very young, children can understand the constraints linked to digital technology, such as the need to eat balanced meals and take naps during the day.
6. Be exemplary
If a parent spends all their time on the phone and the child is not allowed to use it, the child may not understand. “If possible, you should put your smartphone aside during time spent with your child.”
This article was first published in May 2023.
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