Posted ,
Reading 2 mins.
For the past two years, the various confinements and health restrictions linked to Covid-19 have increased children’s screen time. This is what emerges from a study conducted by Ipsos, which also reveals that parents underestimate the potential damage to the health of their children.
According to this Ipsos study conducted for the Observatory of Parenthood and Digital Education and the National Union of Family Associations (Unaf) in July 2021, screen time has increased for one in two children.
Confinements, telework and school at home
With the health crisis, the consumption habits of the French have changed and the time spent in front of screens is no exception. Within two years, 53% of children and 44% of parents reported having “increased their digital consumption”. And all screen types are affected.
It is the time spent on the tablet that increases the most (23%). The increase in smartphone consumption time is estimated at 11%, that of television at 8% and finally that of computers at “only” 6%.
Habits that are rooted in everyday life
The health professionals and associations behind this study are alarmed by the results, especially since they believe that the habits that take hold are difficult to change afterwards. The study participants”recognize spending too much time in front of screens” but say they”won’t go back”.
There would also be a “gap” between parents’ perception of their children’s screen consumption and the actual figures declared by the latter, which are much higher. Thus, the adultsunderestimated by 23%” consumption of their children (37 minutes estimated against 1h26 in reality). They also do not know exactly what type of content their children watch.
Health professionals are constantly warning about the dangers of screens for children, and in particular about the harmful consequences on their health (degradation of sight, language, behavior and sleep disorders, addiction, etc.) but also potential risks related to content (violent images, unsuitable for their age, risk of bad encounters via social networks, etc.).
To avoid this, we remind you here of a few simple rules for your children to follow:
- Respect thea rule of “3-6-9-12” by Serge Tisseron.
- No screen before 3 years
- Limit screen time at any age.
- Set rules: no screen at the table, or in the room…
- Stop spending time on screens at least 2 hours before sleeping.
- Talk about what the child sees and does on the screens.
- Play outside in natural light.
- Set an example as a parent: put screens aside when you’re with your child to encourage interaction and support their discoveries.