Too much screen time for children: the French President gathers a group of experts

The digitization of our societies results in an increasing exposure of children to screens. According to Santé Publique France, 2-year-old children spend an average of one hour per day in front of a screen.

On January 16, during his press conference, President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to implement concrete measures to regulate the access of various digital devices to minors. Why want to implement such a system?

Screens have a real impact on the physical and mental health of children and adolescents. What can already be affirmed is that the time spent by children in front of screens encroaches on the time dedicated to learning and education. Excessive screen use can also affect brain development, especially during growth. The acquisition of fundamental skills and the ability to focus are also affected. Finally, there is a significant risk: the emergence of a real addiction, with problematic consequences for the child's balance and development.

Time spent on screens can also lead to potentially dangerous behaviors. 1 in 8 adolescents has problematic use of video games, and 16% of them use social networks unreasonably.

The president also raises the question of maintaining democracy:

If we have adolescents and future citizens whose relationship with the truth has been poorly built, at least constructed on social networks where the difference between truth and falsehood was not clear, hello to the generation of conspiracy theorists.

For all these reasons, and without further delay, Emmanuel Macron wants to make this issue a public health priority. The goal is to regain "control [of] screens" through concrete and effective measures.

A group of experts from various backgrounds should, in a few months, focus more specifically on the subject. 4 main angles will capture their attention:

1. Highlighting findings regarding the impact of screens on physical and mental health.
2. Evaluating the effectiveness of regulatory measures already in place since Emmanuel Macron's arrival at the Elysée (such as parental control or the prohibition of mobile phones in middle school).
3. Developing new screen regulation measures.
4. Promoting tools suitable for all audiences.

The aim is to provide families with a "user manual" based on scientific consensus, so that this issue is more prominently featured in public debate. The president already announces "that there may be prohibitions [or] restrictions, especially on content."

References:

• Press Conference by President Emmanuel Macron - January 16, 2024
• Essentials about... problematic screen usage

[Cover photo - Élysée]

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