The dangers of digitization are often overlooked these days, while the increasing digitization of our society has a significant impact on everyone, including the youngest. Todays children were born into a digital world and screens are an integral part of their daily lives. However, it is important to understand the potential dangers associated with excessive screen exposure, particularly in young children. This article focuses on those potential risks for young children.
The importance of screen exposure in young children
Screens can offer learning and entertainment opportunities, but they need to be used in a balanced way. Excessive exposure risks having negative consequences on the childs development REF [^1^]. Indeed, nowadays, from a very young age, children are exposed to smartphones, tablets and televisions.
Effects on the development of children under 8
Children under 8 are particularly vulnerable to the effects of screens. Their brain is still developing. Excessive exposure can disrupt this process. This will then affect their ability to learn and concentrate REF [^1^]. A delay in language development is also a concern. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, screen use became an important part of childrens daily routine, with an impact on their physical activity.
Other dangers of digitization related to the proliferation of screens
Beyond impacts on development, the proliferation of screens in childrens daily lives can also lead to sleep disorders, increased obesity and mental health problems REF [^2^]. Other dangers await children who face overexposure to screens. They may be exposed to inappropriate or shocking content. They are also not safe from harmful online encounters, with all the consequences that can entail: pedophilia, scams, etc.
Precautions to take
It therefore becomes more than necessary to put clear rules in place regarding screen use. It is essential to limit screen time, especially for the youngest. Adults must also ensure that little ones have enough time for physical activity and free play.
How to know if children are spending too much time in front of screens?
Signs of excessive screen exposure may include irritability, sleep disturbances and a decreased interest in other activities. Every parent should pay attention to this.
The impact of the digitization of family life on children: the dangers of screens
With digitization, the boundary between work and home has blurred. The digitization of family life is likely to have negative consequences for children. They are thus exposed to increased risks related to screen use REF [^3^]. It may also reduce face-to-face interactions, which are essential for young childrens social development.
Changes in childrens relationship to digital
Todays children were born into a digital world. Thus, their relationship to screens is radically different from that of previous generations. They consider screens to be the norm.
The risks of overexposure to screens in children
Overexposure to screens can lead to various health risks for children. With sedentary behavior, the risk of obesity is higher. Psychological consequences should not be ruled out either.
When children are helpless in the face of this overexposure
Children can feel helpless in the face of overexposure to screens. It is then the responsibility of parents and educators to guide and protect them. Without appropriate education, they risk having difficulty distinguishing the real from the virtual. They should also be made aware of the dangers of digitization from a very young age.
Parents concerns regarding their childrens future and healthy development
Parents are increasingly concerned about the impact of screens on their childrens development. The negative impacts that social networks or online games have are increasingly felt, particularly among the youngest. Adults therefore look for ways to limit their exposure.
Screens are omnipresent: young people, fascinated and fragile in the face of digital
Screens are everywhere, and young people are both fascinated and vulnerable to this digital world. This may make them vulnerable to addiction and social isolation. This overexposure can also affect academic performance.
Young people overly exposed 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 is likely to impact their social development. Communication with parents and close relatives is also sometimes compromised. Interpersonal relationships are likewise reduced.
Finding the right balance in managing screens for children
It is the adults duty to find a balance in screen use. Limits must therefore be established. Parents must ensure that children also have access to other forms of activities and leisure.
Challenges to face with an omnipresent screen
Parents and educators face many challenges in helping children navigate this digital world. They also have the heavy responsibility of educating children about the dangers of digitization and how to avoid them. Good communication must be put in place to avoid any misunderstanding. Adults must clearly ask children about their level of understanding of the subject.
Measures taken by parents to control childrens screen time
Many parents put rules in place to control the time their children spend in front of screens. They must also be proactive and encourage regular breaks away from screens. Many use parental control apps. The approach is adapted according to the childrens ages.
Childrens relationship to digital according to Serge Tisseron
Serge Tisseron, a recognized expert in the psychology of screens, offers advice and recommendations to help children develop a healthy relationship with screens. He specifies, among other things, that it is necessary to adopt a balanced approach, recognizing the advantages of digital while being aware of these dangers of digitization. Also remember not to demonize screens.
Best practices to limit screen use in young children
There are various strategies and best practices that parents and educators can adopt for healthy screen use in young children.
Principles of the 3-6-9-12 rule
This rule suggests not exposing children to screens before 3 years old, restricting cartoons before 6 years old, monitoring Internet use before 9 years old and controlling social network use before 12 years old.
What is the best attitude to adopt for the very young?
The best attitude to adopt remains the following. For those under 3, it is recommended for new parents to avoid screen exposure completely. Between 3 and 6 years, a few minutes per day are tolerable, but zero screen remains the primary recommendation. From 6 to 9 years, screen exposure should be limited to one hour per day, used for educational purposes and under parental supervision.
And for older children?
From 9 to 12 years, the use of educational screens without Internet is allowed, always under adult supervision. Between 12 and 16 years, restricted Internet access is possible, always under adult control. From 16 to 18 years, a bit more freedom of Internet access is granted, but browsing should remain educational and informational, even if an adult presence is no longer mandatory.
Advice of the "4 steps" formula
This formula encourages parents to be present, to set limits, to prioritize quality and to be a role model for their children. This promotes childrens healthy development. They will also notice that the impact on their childrens health is reduced.
Additional resources to deepen understanding of the impact of screens on under 18s
For those who wish to learn more about the impact of screens on children and adolescents, many resources are available. There are numerous books, articles and websites dedicated to this subject. Parents are advised to learn and document themselves to better understand and manage their childrens screen exposure. This information, in the form of studies, advice and recommendations, concerns all age groups.
In conclusion,
Digitization offers many opportunities, but it also presents challenges for the development of young children. Indeed, they tend to favor interactive screens over toys. Parents therefore have a leading role to play. It is up to them to adopt a balanced approach, properly managing screen exposure time and prioritizing quality interactions. It is also necessary to understand the dangers of digitization associated with excessive screen exposure, particularly in young children, and to take the necessary measures to protect their health and well-being.
Disclaimer
This article is based on scientific research and studies, but it is important to consult a health 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 Childrens 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