Screens and children's social and emotional skills

The increasing use of screens, such as TVs, smartphones, tablets and video games, has raised concerns about its impact on children's social and emotional development. This article examines the main negative effects of screen use, such as social isolation, attention disorders and emotional difficulties, while discussing solutions to minimize these consequences.

Consequences of screen use on children's social and emotional capacities :

1. Social isolation: Excessive screen use can lead to social isolation in children. Spending long hours in front of a screen limits face-to-face interaction with peers and adults, which is essential for the development of social skills. Children may become less inclined to participate in social activities, establish interpersonal relationships and develop non-verbal communication skills. Social isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, sadness and anxiety in children, impairing their emotional development.
2. Attention disorders: Excessive screen use is also linked to attention disorders in children. The constant visual and auditory stimuli of screens place intense demands on children's attention, making it difficult for them to concentrate on tasks that require sustained attention. These attention problems can affect children's academic success and their ability to concentrate in non-digital environments. In addition, video games and interactive applications can promote instant gratification, which can lead to a decrease in patience and the ability to defer gratification, important skills for children's emotional development.
3. Emotional difficulties: Excessive use of screens can also lead to emotional difficulties in children. Violent or inappropriate media content can have a negative impact on children's emotional development, increasing the risk of aggressive behavior, fear and anxiety. In addition, social networks can expose children to cyberbullying, which can lead to problems of self-esteem, self-confidence and depression. Children who spend too much time in front of screens can also develop a media addiction, which can have a negative impact on their emotional well-being.

Solutions and recommendations:

To minimize the negative impact of screen use on children's social and emotional capacities, it's essential to set clear limits on screen time and encourage a balance between digital and non-digital activities. We recommend limiting screen time to reasonable amounts, taking into account each child's age and stage of development. Encouraging face-to-face interaction, promoting outdoor activities, favoring reading and creative play are also important recommendations for preserving children's social and emotional skills.

The 3-6-9-12 rule*developed by psychoanalyst Serge Tisseron, is a valuable guide to children's use of screens. This rule recommends that children under 3 years of age should not be exposed to screens, and that screen use should be limited to 1 hour a day for children aged 3 to 6, 2 hours for children aged 6 to 9, and 3 hours for children aged 9 to 12. By respecting this rule, we help our children preserve their development, health and emotional balance. It's essential to promote varied, high-quality activities to enable them to grow up harmoniously.

Excessive use of screens can have a detrimental effect on children's social and emotional capacities. Social isolation, attention disorders and emotional difficulties are among the main negative effects observed. It is essential to raise awareness among parents, educators and society as a whole of the risks associated with excessive screen use. By limiting screen time, encouraging face-to-face interaction and fostering emotional awareness, we can help children develop healthy social and emotional skills for their future lives.