Prohibition of Screens in Reception Areas for Children Under Three Years of Age
In a recent development, childcare facilities across France have implemented a ban on screens for children under the age of three. This move aims to reassure parents and early childhood professionals about the potential risks associated with excessive screen time for young children.
The ban on screens in childcare facilities is particularly significant as it targets concerns about screen time expressed to France 2. Studies have shown that excessive screen time in children under three can have a detrimental impact on language development, visuo-motor skills, and attention disorders.
Language Development --------------------
Excessive screen time negatively impacts language skills in young children, particularly those under the age of two. Research indicates that children learn less effectively from videos compared to live human interaction, which is crucial for language acquisition at this age. Although infants may watch screens by six months, comprehension of content typically doesn't develop until after two years. This lack of meaningful interaction can delay language and social development.
When very young children spend substantial time focused on screens, they miss out on observing and engaging in real-world activities, limiting opportunities to practice and develop language through interaction with caregivers and their environment.
Visuo-Motor Skills ------------------
Screen time often displaces physical activity and interactive play, which are essential for developing visuo-motor coordination and overall motor skills in preschoolers. Children who spend more time physically active tend to develop better motor skills than those who spend excessive time sedentary in front of screens.
Attention Disorders and Related Mental Health Issues -----------------------------------------------------
Excessive screen time in early childhood has been linked to attention difficulties and potential attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. High screen exposure may also lead to difficulty focusing and increased risk of emotional problems such as anxiety and depression. Disrupted sleep patterns, which are often a consequence of too much screen time, further exacerbate attention problems and emotional regulation in young children.
Recommendations and Guidelines -------------------------------
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that children aged 2 to 5 years should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, emphasizing high-quality, educational content and co-viewing with caregivers when screen time occurs. For children under two, screen time should be very limited or avoided altogether to support healthy brain development and language acquisition.
The ban in childcare facilities does not specify any exceptions or allowances for educational or instructional screen use. The news article provides a full report in the video above.
In summary, excessive screen time in children under three impairs language development due to reduced human interaction, hampers visuo-motor skill growth by limiting physical play, and increases the risk of attention difficulties and emotional problems. Limiting screen exposure and prioritizing active, social, and exploratory learning environments is critical during this sensitive developmental stage.
The ban in childcare facilities may encourage parents to seek alternative activities for their young children that do not involve screens. It may also prompt discussions among childcare providers about the best practices for promoting healthy development in young children. The ban in childcare facilities may lead to a broader conversation about screen time limits for young children in various settings.
Dr. Damien Mascret, a physician and journalist for France Télévisions, has also expressed concerns about the negative effects of screens on children under three. On average, 2-year-old children spend 56 minutes a day in front of a screen. Children under three are now banned from screens in home-based daycare and other childcare facilities, such as creches or nurseries. The ban in childcare facilities is intended as a message to parents about screen time for young children.
- In light of the ban on screens in childcare facilities, there may be increased conversations around the impact of screen time on health-and-wellness, particularly concerning the development of language skills in young children.
- Excessive screen time not only affects language development but also has detrimental effects on visuo-motor skills, attention disorders, and overall mental health, according to current research and policy-and-legislation recommendations.
- Given the recent ban, French parents might seek alternative activities that prioritize fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and outdoor play to complement their child's development in lieu of screen entertainment.
- The French screen ban in childcare facilities may extend to other related discussions in politics and general-news regarding screen limits and cultivating a healthy environment for young children in multiple settings.
