Screens and children:friends or foes?

Does your eldest spend his time on his smartphone? And the younger ones? Between the tablet and the computer, it is not much better. Teens and children love screens. Should we really be worried about this trend? What are the risks ? How to have a reasonable use of screens?

Overexposure to screens:what are the risks for children?

In the digital age, screens are omnipresent in our daily lives and in those of our children. Tablet, television, computer, telephone... So many technologies which attract our children and which can act as real " baby-sitters ". You have probably already noticed that your little nephew no longer groans when he plays on a phone or that you no longer hear your daughter when she watches her favorite cartoon on the tablet. However, what are the repercussions of overexposure to screens for our children?

Sleep disorders . Children who are used to sleeping with a phone nearby or who check their screens before bedtime have lower quality sleep. The blue light diffused by the screens disrupts sleep and keeps them awake longer.
School failure . Overexposure to screens has an impact on the education of children and adolescents. Their ability to concentrate is reduced, as they are entertained by the various screens. This can be felt in school results.
The increased risk of obesity . By spending a lot of time behind screens, children automatically abandon physical activities. They may then tend to snack, which can lead to weight gain.
A tendency to depression. The overconsumption of screens affects the mental health of young people. Screen abuse can cause low self-esteem and anxiety.

Young people and screens in a few figures

93% of 12-17 year olds had a mobile phone in 2016 compared to 72% in 2005; 13-19 year olds spent an average of 15.11 hours per week on the Internet in 2017; 63% of 11-14 year olds were registered on at least one social network in 2017; More than two hours of screen time per day affects children's intellectual abilities.

Screens:how to set boundaries with your children?

As in all areas, it is the excess that is the problem. However, reasonable use of screens is entirely possible and safe for your children. Here are some tips and strategies to use to make good use of it:

Keep the dialogue going. One of the best ways to make yourself understood by your children is still through discussion. Take the time to explain to them the harmful effects of overexposure to screens, the dangers of the Internet, online advertising. So your children will become more informed and responsible digital consumers.
Set rules. In order for your children to become aware of what emerges from the excessive consumption of screens or not, establish rules within your home. For example, no telephone allowed at mealtimes, no screen in the rooms, no more than 2 hours of TV per day, etc. Set your own limits.
Have off-screen activities. To distract your child from screens, offer him outdoor physical activities such as rollerblading, a game of basketball, a bike ride, crafts or other. A game of board game can also be a very enjoyable family activity.
Lead by example. If your children constantly see you on your phone or tablet, you won't be credible when telling them to reduce their screen consumption. Start by showing them by example. When you get home, put your phone down and prioritize time spent chatting, reading, listening to music, etc.

Opt for a parental control tool

To keep a check on the activity of your children in front of the screens, there are different software. For example, you can configure your box and limit Wi-Fi access hours or disconnect devices. Parental control is included in your Internet subscription. Do not hesitate to contact your supplier for information on the subject. Discover on the website https://www.e-childhood.org/comparatif-des-applications-de-controle-parental-sur-mobile-android-et-ios the comparison of parental control applications on mobile, Android or IOS . To protect your children, you can opt for one of these paid tools:Parents Around, Qustodio, Kaspersky Safe Kids, Xooloo, etc.

Overuse of screens by children can cause many ailments such as sleep disorders, school failure, depression, etc. If you want to allow access to screens in your family, control usage by setting some limits.