The French president sought advice from experts and scientists about a year ago regarding the regulation of children’s screen time due to concerns over its impact on their cognitive and emotional development. Following a three-month investigation, a 142-page report was published by child psychiatry and neurology experts. The report recommended that children under the age of 11 should avoid using cell phones entirely, limit internet access for those aged between 11 and 13, and restrict social network usage until the age of 18.
Experts emphasized the importance of limiting screens in maternity wards to encourage bonding between parents and newborns. Similarly, nannies caring for babies were also advised to follow similar restrictions. For children aged between six and twelve years old, experts recommended minimal screen time and only watching educational content on TV, computers or tablets when supervised by an adult. Kindergartens were advised to ban screens entirely for children under six years old, while primary schools were discouraged from providing individual tablets or digital devices unless necessary.
The negative effects of screens on children’s intelligence, cognitive processes, attention span, vision, and metabolism were highlighted by experts. Social media algorithms are designed to create addictive behaviors in children which can lead to restlessness, boredom, difficulty in social interactions and developmental issues. Clinical psychologists and child psychiatrists agree that excessive screen time can impair sleep quality, sensory regulation, weight management and communication skills in children and adolescents.
To address these concerns, experts recommend avoiding screen exposure for children under six years old and limiting it to no more than an hour and a half per day for those aged between six and twelve years old. They suggest creating agreements among parents to enforce these guidelines collectively. Ultimately, the goal is to prioritize children’s well-being by reducing screen time and promoting healthy development.