In the digital age, screens are now an omnipresent part of daily life. This sometimes leads to a state of passivity, particularly in young children. Moreover, early and intensive exposure to screens can have harmful consequences for their development. This article looks at the dangers of screen-induced passivity and offers advice to parents on navigating this complex digital landscape.
What are the dangers of screen exposure for young children?
Screens can affect brain development
Studies show that excessive exposure to screens can impair children's brain development. Research has shown that children under the age of two learn significantly less well from videos than from face-to-face interactions, suggesting a deficit effect due to REF videos [^1^]. Screens can affect young children's brain plasticity, which may have consequences for their ability to learn and remember. They are also likely to affect the areas of the brain responsible for attention, concentration and imagination.
Excessive screen time can lead to language delay
Excessive screen time is associated with language delays in children, as indicated by a cross-sectional study conducted in Labuan, which examined the effects of different types of screen time on the social and emotional development of REF preschoolers [^2^]. Indeed, human interaction is essential for language learning.
Exposure to screens can affect children's self-esteem
Social media use is linked to depressive symptoms in adolescents, which can be extrapolated to understand the potential impacts on self-esteem in younger children REF [^3^]. The development of negative body image and low self-esteem is due to the often unrealistic representation of bodies and lifestyles in the media.
Screens can hinder children's interaction with the real world
Overexposure to screens can limit children's opportunities to explore their environment and interact with others, which is crucial to the development of their social skills. In addition, the use of social networks can have negative repercussions, notably on :
- their motor development,
- their physical balance,
- their melatonin production,
- their identity construction,
- their communication,
- control their emotions,
- their learning process,
- their memory and the development of the REF language [^4^].
How can we limit screen time among young children?
It is necessary to find a compromise in the use of screens. We recommend creating a balanced schedule, alternating periods of screen exposure with other activities. Promoting these different pastimes can only be beneficial.
At what age can children start using screens?
Experts recommend avoiding all exposure to screens for children under 3 to promote healthy development.
What are the effects of early screen use on children?
Early use of screens can disrupt children's cognitive and emotional development. Their ability to learn and manage their emotions will be affected. Screens may also have an effect on motor and cognitive development, as they limit the experiences necessary for growth.
How much time per day should young children spend in front of a screen?
Parents are advised not to expose children under 3 to screens. From ages 3 to 6, screen use should be exceptional and very limited, and ideally avoided. For children aged 6 to 9, screen time should be limited to one hour a day, mainly for educational purposes and under parental supervision.
Children aged 9 to 12 can use screens to access educational content without the Internet, but always under adult supervision. Between the ages of 12 and 16, moderate, supervised use of the Internet is permitted. For teenagers aged 16 to 18, greater autonomy in accessing the Internet is possible, provided it serves educational and informative purposes, and constant adult supervision is no longer deemed necessary.
How can screens influence the development of young children?
Screens influence the development of young children by reducing the time devoted to essential developmental activities. They also limit real interaction and present content that is not always age-appropriate.
What are the health risks for young children in front of screens?
Health risks include obesity, sleep disorders and vision problems.
How do screens affect young children's learning?
Screens can distract children from active learning and reduce the opportunities for social interaction needed to develop language and emotional skills. As a result, time for more active, interactive learning activities is restricted.
How can screen use influence children's behavior?
Overexposure to screens is likely to lead to passive behavior, where children become less active in their environment and in their social interactions. It can also lead to attention problems, irritability and aggression.
The relationship between overexposure to screens and passivity
Passivity in children can be exacerbated by excessive use of screens. They are then less inclined to explore and actively participate in their environment.
What is passivity?
Passivity is a lack of initiative or activity, where the child may appear disinterested or indifferent to his or her environment. It is often the result of passive consumption of digital content, without interaction or creativity.
How can you tell if your child has become passive?
Signs of passivity include a lack of interest in non-digital activities, as well as difficulty concentrating without a screen and interacting with other children, or a lack of curiosity. Adults should be alerted as soon as these symptoms appear.
How can you prevent your child from becoming passive?
Encourage activities that stimulate imagination and interaction, such as role-playing, puzzles and artistic activities. Lend them your attention and offer them your time, which will promote their overall balance.
What are the recommendations for parents regarding the use of screens?
Adults should establish clear rules, such as setting the number of hours per day to be spent in front of screens, scheduling regular breaks and ensuring that content is age-appropriate. Healthy limits need to be set. Children and parents also need to share quality time together, for everyone's well-being. All parents should also monitor content, encourage screen-free activities and be role models when it comes to media use.
How can we strike a balance between screen use and other activities for young children?
It's important to plan a variety of activities and establish daily routines that include time away from screens.
What are the alternatives to screens for entertaining young children?
Alternatives include books, board games, crafts and time spent in nature.
What are the important points to consider before allowing children to use screens?
Consider the child's age, the type of content and the amount of time spent in front of the tablet or other screen.
In conclusion
Screen-induced passivity in young children is a worrying issue that requires special attention. Parents need to be guided by current research to limit exposure to screens and promote healthy development. A balanced approach is essential, with a focus on face-to-face interaction and enriching screen-free activities. It is therefore important to follow the experts' recommendations and ensure a balanced use of screens, giving priority to human interaction and enriching off-screen activities.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Each child is unique and recommendations may vary according to individual situations. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your child. Screen-use practices should be tailored to the needs and development of each child.
References
REF [^1^]. Becker, L. (n.d.). The Effects of Screen Media Exposure on Children's Word Learning. Abstract
REF [^2^]. Rahman, P. A., & Azureen, M. (n.d.). Different Types of Screen Time and its Effect Towards Social and Emotional Development among Preschoolers in Labuan. Abstract
REF [^3^]. Acheson, R. (2022). Research digest: Digital technology and its impact on child mental health. Abstract
REF [^4^]. Almeida, I., Mesquita, C., & Bravo, J. (2023). The Effects of Social Media on Child Development. [Article title]. Journal de la santé de l'enfant. https://atenaeditora.com.br/catalogo/dowload-post/76404.
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