In the past year, the French president sought advice from scientists and experts on how to regulate children’s screen time due to concerns about its effects on cognitive and emotional development. After three months of study, a 142-page report was published by child psychiatrists and neurologists. The report recommended that children under 11 years old avoid using cell phones and limit internet access for those aged 11 to 13. Social networks like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat were suggested to be restricted until the age of 18.
Experts also emphasized the importance of limiting screens in maternity wards to promote bonding between parents and newborns. Similar restrictions were proposed for nannies caring for babies. For children aged six or younger, 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, 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. 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