A study conducted by researcher Jonathan Bernard on the exposure of young children to screens and its influence on their development and health has shown a negative relationship between screen time and children’s development. However, this relationship is less pronounced when the family environment is taken into account. The overexposure of children to screens has become a political issue, with many parents wondering at what point does excessive screen time become harmful.
The term “overexposure” is commonly used, but it is vague and lacks precision. It refers to children being exposed to screens beyond health recommendations without clearly defining what constitutes “beyond.” This raises questions about how much screen time is considered excessive and at what age these limits should apply. Official recommendations from various organizations, such as the WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics, advise against screen exposure before the age of 2, while in France, the Anses recommends the same, but other bodies like the High Council of Public Health suggest waiting until age 3, which corresponds to the start of preschool.
Psychiatrist Serge Tisseron has also established guidelines known as “3-6-9-12”: no screens before age 3, no handheld gaming devices before age 6, no Internet before age 9, and no unsupervised Internet access before age 12. Rather than focusing on scientific thresholds or prohibitions, it is important to consider these guidelines as reference points. Data from the French ELFE cohort study, which followed children from birth to adulthood, revealed that a significant number of young children are exposed to screens beyond these recommended limits.
The study analyzed data from nearly 14,000 children born in 2011, tracking their screen time from ages 2 to 5 and a half. Parents reported the daily time spent on various types of screens during this period. The findings highlight the importance of considering the family environment when assessing the impact of screen time on children’s development. It is crucial to understand the prevalence and duration of screen exposure beyond recommended guidelines to address the potential risks associated with excessive screen time in young children.
Overall, the discussion around screen time for young children involves navigating various recommendations and guidelines to determine what constitutes overexposure. The use of screens at an early age can have significant effects on children’s development and health, making it essential for parents and policymakers to be aware of the risks associated with excessive screen time. By establishing clear guidelines and promoting healthy screen habits, it is possible to mitigate these risks and support the well-being of young children in the digital age.
