A new study demonstrates the harm caused by too much screen time on children. In particular, among toddlers, the risks are alarming. Discover a method that allows us to avoid these negative effects on our toddlers.
Many studies have warned against excessive screen use, both among adults and children. This would, in fact, disrupt the proper functioning of the body. Recently, a new study confirms the facts. Published on JAMA Pediatrics, this was carried out on a sample of 1,500 children under the age of two and warns of the dangers of early exposure to screens.
Alarming conclusions
As part of this research, scientists followed infants exposed to screens from the age of 12 months. They identified developmental delays associated with persistent sensory impairments. 24 months later, in these same children, the results were even more worrying. Which raises considerable concern about the impact of screens on toddlers.
These results call for vigilance on the part of parents. Diagnosed developmental delays, including deficits in communication, fine motor skills and problem solving, were compared to the sensory singularities of Autism spectrum disorder. Experts warn that at 18 months, each additional hour in front of a screen increases the risk of this delay by 20%. An analysis that is intended to be worrying, when we know the place that screens now take in a home.
Recommendations and method of “3-6-9-12+” tags
The authorities' recommendation is strict and formal: zero screens before the age of two. Guidelines follow for each age group in order to regulate the use of screens. Psychiatrist Serge Tisseron created the so-called “3-6-9-12+” tag method so that parents can find their way around:
- Before 3 years: Let's play, talk, turn off the TV;
- From 3 to 6 years : let's limit screens, share them, talk as a family;
- From 6 to 9 years old: let's create with screens, let's explain the Internet to him;
- From 9 to 12 years old: let's teach them to protect themselves and their interactions.
A method which corresponds to the results of an expert report, submitted a few days ago to Emmanuel Macron. The latter recommends banning screens for children under 3 and cell phones before 11, strictly limiting access to social networks for adolescents.
