A French team of experts led by addictologist Amine Benyamina delivered a report on children and screens to President Macron. The report contains 29 recommendations, among those are no screen at all under the age of six, no phone before the age of 11 and no smartphone before 13. The report also says schools have to teach how to use and understand information on social networks.

Paris

A report presented to President Macron by a French team of experts, under the guidance of addictologist Amine Benyamina, has issued recommendations on the usage of screens by children, advocating for stricter age-related restrictions. The comprehensive document suggests prohibiting the use of screens for children under six, banning mobile phones for those under 11, and recommending that smartphones not be given to children until they are at least 13 years old. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of education about social networks within schools to foster an understanding and safe use of these platforms.

The report acknowledges the complexities surrounding the use of social media and technology among children, highlighting the balance between benefits and potential harms. It cites real-life trials in dozens of French towns where “no-screen periods” were implemented, leading to noticeable behavioral changes among children. During these trial periods, children engaged more in physical activities and reading, and there was a reported decrease in tensions among students. Additionally, the observed reduction in screen time had positive feedback from parents who noted improved behaviors, such as decreased distractions during family time.

The recommendations come in response to concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children’s health, particularly noting issues related to concentration and overall well-being. According to the report, children as young as two spend an average of 56 minutes a day on screens, while teenagers may spend more than three hours daily. These findings have spurred discussions on the need for regulations and guidelines to mitigate the adverse effects of screen time on the younger population.



Report recommends no smartphones before age of 13

Question is, are you willing to stop your children from spending their day in front of screens? What's crazy about it is that on one side I agree, but my daughter has a phone. I think that social media especially should be limited. We should know what they're doing on it, but without necessarily bringing in a ban. Yet that's the conclusion of the study that's been carried out for President Emmanuel Macron. No phones before the age of 11, no smartphones until 13 and no social media for under 15s. I think that for social media it'll be complicated because we learn a lot through it. On one hand I think they're right, but sometimes it's fun to pass the time. We learn, we laugh. Dozens of towns in France have trialled no-screen periods. And children recognise that the 10-day test isn't easy. I used to be on screens all evening, now I do my homework and then I play. I'm reading more, spending more time outside. Teachers noticed there was less tension among children. But for as an argument the day before, it isn't aggravated via their phones in the evening. And parents picked up on changes too. Our little one forgets to go to the toilet because she's so glued to her television. We don't have that problem anymore. Fifty-six minutes a day for two-year-olds, over three hours for teenagers. An average screen time that experts say affects children's health, including their ability to concentrate.

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