Screens have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, excessive use of digital technologies can have harmful effects on children's development and well-being. This article examines the impact of screen addiction among adults on younger children, and proposes concrete solutions to encourage responsible consumption within the family.
Understanding the impact of screens on children
The effects of screens on children's brains
Several studies show that early and prolonged exposure to screens affects brain development and cognitive functions in children. For example, a research in 2020 REF [^1^] reports that excessive video viewing in toddlers is associated with attention and self-regulation disorders. These tools also have a detrimental impact on language, with delayed vocabulary development of up to 6 months.
Behavioral and emotional consequences
Beyond the cognitive effects, spending too much time in front of screens can have repercussions on children's behavior and mental health. Irritability, anxiety, sleep disorders, relationship difficulties: the signs of overexposure to digital media are manifold. A 2016 meta-analysis REF [^2^] establishes a link between intensive use of social networks and depression in adolescents.
What are the effects of excessive screen use by adults in the presence of children?
Impact on physical health
When parents themselves are absorbed by their screens, this has repercussions on their interactions with their children. Physically, their own health can suffer as a result. But most problematic of all is the example they set for younger children.
The impact on family interactions
According to a Boston University study REF[^3^] conducted in 2018, parents' hyperconnectedness hinders their ability to engage emotionally with their children. The lack of attention and rich verbal exchanges hinders little ones' social-emotional development.
Adult modeling of behavior
Influence of parental habits on children
Children have a natural tendency to reproduce and adopt their parents' behaviors. If their parents spend too much time in front of a screen, up to several hours a day, there's a good chance that their children will do the same by imitation. Parents must therefore set an example by responsibly managing their own exposure to technology.
Managing personal exposure to screens
Parents need to set an example for their children on how to use screens. This means responsibly managing their own exposure time. To this end, they can implement concrete strategies aimed at reducing their consumption of digital technologies on a daily basis. According to a study conducted by faireparterie, in collaboration with the Gece polling institute, 52 % of parents consider themselves addicted to their smartphone. While 72 % of their children prefer screens to traditional games.
How can you limit screen time to maintain a balanced family life?
Tips for balanced screen use
According to the recommendations, it's important to set time slots dedicated to digital activities, with time limits adapted to the child's age. Technology-free times should be prioritized, especially during mealtimes or in the evening before bedtime. Ideally, alternative recreational activities should be offered to replace screen time. When parents establish a structured framework around the use of digital devices, they encourage balanced consumption.
Establish rules for the use of screens in the home
To make children aware of their responsibilities, parents can lay down rules governing the use of screens in the home. For example, it may be forbidden to use tablets and smartphones during meals or in the bedrooms. Screen-free periods can also be set aside, particularly in the evenings or at weekends. By creating zones and moments of family life that are entirely free from digital solicitations, attention is refocused on exchanges and the pleasure of being together.
Alternative activities to screens
Promoting recreational activities that don't require screens is a very good way of limiting the appeal of digital technologies. Board games, sports, arts and crafts, walks... there's no shortage of ideas for entertaining young and old in a different way. The most important thing is to encourage concrete social interaction and the pleasure of being together as a family without an electronic interface. The practice of fun and enriching alternatives naturally helps to reduce the time spent on connected devices.
What are the best ways to help children manage adult screen use?
Strategies for encouraging the educational use of screens
Instead of strictly banning screens, parents can take advantage of the opportunity to share moments of discovery with their children. Watching and discussing age-appropriate educational content together helps to instill responsible use of digital technologies.
The importance of modeling screen-free behavior
More than speeches, children need to see their parents adopt good digital habits themselves. Limiting their own screen time, practicing activities without electronic support and showing that they can thrive without screens are ways of setting an example. Little ones reproduce what they observe: it's up to parents to model good behavior.
How can screen addiction affect the well-being of children and teenagers?
Signs of screen addiction in young people
There are many warning signs that youngsters may be addicted to screens: social isolation, aggressiveness, sleep and eating disorders, chronic fatigue, falling school results... When digital activities such as video games encroach on a child's health and social life, parents need to intervene.
How can we promote a stimulating real world away from screens?
To reduce dependency on digital technologies, parents need to redouble their imagination to offer an attractive and stimulating real world. Multiply outings, sports and creative activities, group games, and encourage children to leave their digital lives behind and embrace the real world around them.
Resources and tools for parents
Parental control applications and tools
A number of digital tools can help parents control their children's screen use. Apps such as Qustodio, Kidslox or the integrated features of Screentime (iOS) can help monitor, limit and control the screen use of young children.
Information and support
A wide range of resources are available to help parents manage their offspring's digital activities. Dedicated websites, specialized books, conferences... they'll find the information, advice and support they need to tackle the issue of screens as a family with peace of mind.
In conclusion
Although omnipresent in our lives, screens need to be used with discernment, especially in the presence of the very young. Parents have a crucial role to play in adopting good habits themselves, and in creating a family environment conducive to quality social interaction.
Disclaimer
The content of this article is the author's personal commentary and analysis. The information presented is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have about your own health or that of your loved ones.
References
REF [^1^]. Madigan, S., McArthur, B. A., Anhorn, C., Eirich, R., & Christakis, D. A. (2020). Associations Between Screen Use and Child Language Skills: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA pediatrics, 174(7), 665-675. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32202633/
REF [^2^]. Liu, M., Wu, L., & Yao, S. (2016). Dose-response association of screen time-based sedentary behaviour in children and adolescents and depression: a meta-analysis of observational studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 50(20), 1252-1258. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/50/20/1252
REF [^3^]. Myruski, S., Gulyayeva, O., Birk, S., Perez-Edgar, K., Buss, K. A., & Dennis-Tiwary, T. A. (2018). Digital disruption? Maternal mobile device use is related to infant social-emotional functioning. Developmental science, 21(4), e12610. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318503415_Digital_Disruption_Maternal_mobile_device_use_and_child_social-emotional_functioning
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