The dangers of digitalization are often overlooked these days, yet the increasing digitalization of our society is having a significant impact on everyone, including the very young. Today's children are born into a digital world, and screens are an integral part of their daily lives. However, it's important to understand the potential dangers associated with excessive exposure to screens, particularly in young children. This article focuses on these potential risks for young children.
The importance of screen exposure for young children
Screens can provide opportunities for learning and entertainment, but they need to be used in a balanced way. Excessive exposure can have negative consequences on a child's development REF [^1^]. Today's children are exposed to smartphones, tablets and televisions from an early age.
Effects on the development of children under 8 years of age
Children under 8 are particularly vulnerable to the effects of screens. Their brains are still growing. Excessive exposure can disrupt this process. This will affect their ability to learn and concentrate REF [^1^]. A delay in language development is also to be feared. What's more, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of screens became an important part of children's daily routine, with an impact on their physical activity.
Other dangers of digitalization linked to the multiplication of screens
In addition to the impact on development, the proliferation of screens in children's daily lives can also lead to sleep disorders, increased obesity and mental health problems. REF [^2^]. Other dangers await children who are overexposed to screens. They may be exposed to inappropriate or offensive content. Nor are they immune to bad online encounters, with all the consequences that can entail: pedophilia, scams and so on.
Precautions to take
So it's all the more important to establish clear rules for screen use. It's vital to limit screen time, especially for younger children. Adults must also ensure that children have enough time for physical activity and free play.
How do you know if children are spending too much time in front of screens?
Signs of excessive exposure to screens can include irritability, sleep disturbances and decreased interest in other activities. Every parent should pay attention.
The impact of the digitalization of family life on children: the dangers of screens
Digitization is blurring the boundaries between work and home. The digitalization of family life is likely to have negative consequences for children. They are exposed to increased risks linked to the use of screens. REF [^3^]. It also risks reducing face-to-face interaction, which is essential for the social development of youngsters.
Changes in children's relationship with digital technology
Today's children are born into a digital world. As a result, their relationship with screens is radically different from that of previous generations. They see screens as a norm.
The risks of overexposure to screens for children
Overexposure to screens can lead to various health risks for children. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity. Psychological consequences cannot be ruled out either.
When children are helpless in the face of overexposure
Children can feel helpless in the face of overexposure to screens. It's up to parents and educators to guide and protect them. Without proper education, they may find it difficult to distinguish between the real and the virtual. They also need to be made aware of the dangers of digitalization from an early age.
Parents' concerns about their children's future and development
Parents are increasingly concerned about the impact of screens on their children's development. The negative impacts of social networking and online gaming are becoming increasingly apparent, especially among the youngest children. Adults are looking for ways to limit their exposure.
Screens are ubiquitous: young people, fascinated and fragile in the face of digital technology
Screens are everywhere, and young people are both fascinated by and vulnerable to this digital world. This can leave them vulnerable to addiction and social isolation. This overexposure can also have an impact on school results.
Young people overexposed to screens
The current generation of young people is the most exposed to screens. This overexposure can have serious consequences for their well-being REF [^4^]. With easy access to screens, many of them spend more time online than with their peers. This can have an impact on their social development. Communication with parents and relatives is also sometimes compromised. At the same time, interpersonal relationships are reduced.
Striking the right balance in children's use of screens
Adults have a duty to strike a balance in their use of screens. This means setting clear limits. Parents must ensure that children also have access to other forms of activity and leisure.
The challenges of the ubiquitous screen
Parents and educators face many challenges in helping children navigate this digital world. They also have the heavy responsibility of educating little ones about the dangers of digitalization and how to avoid them. Good communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings. Adults need to clearly question children to find out their level of understanding of the subject.
Measures taken by parents to control children's screen time
Many parents put rules in place to control the amount of time their children spend in front of screens. They also need to be proactive and encourage regular breaks away from screens. Many use parental control applications. The technique is adapted to the age of the child.
Serge Tisseron on children's relationship with digital technology
Serge Tisseron, a recognized expert in the field of screen psychology, offers advice and recommendations to help children develop a healthy relationship with screens. Among other things, he points out the need to adopt a balanced approach, recognizing the benefits of digital technology while being aware of the dangers of digitalization. And don't forget that screens shouldn't be demonized.
Best practices for limiting the use of screens by young children
There are various strategies and best practices that parents and educators can adopt for the healthy use of screens by young children.
The principles of the 3-6-9-12 rule
This rule suggests not exposing children to screens before age 3, restricting cartoons before age 6, monitoring Internet use before age 9 and controlling social networking use before age 12.
What's the best attitude to adopt for toddlers?
The best attitude to adopt is as follows. For children under 3, young parents are advised to avoid exposure to screens altogether. Between the ages of 3 and 6, a few minutes a day are tolerable, but zero screen time is the main recommendation. From 6 to 9, exposure to screens should be limited to one hour a day, used for educational purposes and under parental supervision.
And for older children?
From ages 9 to 12, the use of educational screens without the Internet is permitted, always under adult supervision. Between ages 12 and 16, restricted Internet access is possible, again under adult supervision. From 16 to 18, slightly more freedom of access to the Internet is granted, but browsing must remain for educational and informative purposes, even if adult supervision is no longer required.
Tips from the 4-step formula
This formula encourages parents to be present, set limits, prioritize quality and set an example for their children. This promotes their children's healthy development. They will also find that the impact on their children's health is reduced.
Additional resources for a deeper understanding of the impact of screens on under-18s
For those who want to know more about the impact of screens on children and teenagers, there are many resources available. There are numerous books, articles and websites dedicated to the subject. Parents are advised to seek out information and documentation to better understand and manage their children's exposure to screens. This information, in the form of studies, advice and recommendations, concerns all age groups.
In conclusion,
Digitalization offers many opportunities, but it also presents challenges for the development of young children. Indeed, they tend to prefer interactive screens to toys. Parents therefore have a key role to play. They need to adopt a balanced approach, properly managing screen exposure time and favoring quality interactions. They also need to understand the dangers of digitization associated with excessive exposure to screens, particularly for young children, and take the necessary steps to protect their health and well-being.
Disclaimer
This article is based on scientific research and studies, but it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
References
Footnotes
REF [^1^] Screen time and young children: Promoting health and development in a digital world. M. Ponti, S. Bélanger, Ruth-Ellen M. Grimes, et al. (2017) ↩ ↩2
REF [^2^] Digital Screen Time Limits and Young Children's Psychological Well-Being: Evidence From a Population-Based Study. Andrew K. Przybylski, N. Weinstein ↩
REF [^3^] Screen Time Use Among US Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. Jason M. Nagata, Catherine A. Cortez, Chloe J. Cattle, et al (2021) ↩
REF [^4^] Applying Harm Reduction Principles to Address Screen Time in Young Children Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. L. Vanderloo, S. Carsley, M. Aglipay, et al. (2020) ↩ ↩2
English 
French 
Arabic 
Persian