The French president recently sought guidance from scientists and experts on regulating children’s screen time due to concerns about its impact on cognitive and emotional development. After a three-month study, a 142-page report was published by experts in child psychiatry and neurology. The report recommended avoiding cell phones for children under 11 years old and limiting internet access for those between 11 and 13. It also suggested restricting access to social networks like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat until the age of 18.
Experts emphasized the importance of limiting screens in maternity wards to facilitate bonding between parents and newborns. Similar restrictions were proposed for nannies caring for babies. For children up to six 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, and 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 the experts. They also pointed out that social media algorithms are designed to create addictive behaviors in children. As a result, children may experience restlessness, boredom, and difficulty in social interactions leading to 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 six to twelve. 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.