As school holidays approach, concerns grow over children's screen time, with experts urging families to rethink digital habits and prioritize offline interactions.
Screen time doubles on school holidays
Santé publique France has reported that young people are spending twice as much time on screens on days without school, raising concerns about the impact of digital devices on children's health and development.Expert calls for family digital habits review
Dr. Sylvie Dieu Osika, a pediatrician and co-author of L'Enfant-écran. Comment échapper à la pandémie numérique, suggests that holidays can be a chance for families to reassess their use of digital devices and focus on shared, non-screen activities.Key recommendations for managing screen use
Dr. Osika advises setting age-appropriate rules for screen time, emphasizing the need to protect sleep and avoid screens in bedrooms, during meals, and one hour before bedtime. She also highlights the importance of parents following similar rules to avoid "technoférence," which disrupts family interactions.Outdoor activities recommended for health
She encourages outdoor play, especially in winter, to counteract the sedentary effects of screens and improve mood through natural light. Parents are also advised to allow children to play freely, provided they are nearby to support and engage them.Simple shared activities for all families
For families with limited resources, Dr. Osika suggests simple, interactive activities like playing board games, cooking together, or cleaning. These activities should be regular opportunities for connection and learning, not necessarily special events.Managing screen use with teenagers
Dr. Osika acknowledges the social role of screens for teens but warns of smartphone addiction. She suggests using "dumbphones" with limited functions and encourages parents to support each other in delaying smartphone access to reduce peer pressure and protect children from harmful content.
