Children and screens : a relationship to regulate
10. 05. 2025

Children and Screens: A Relationship to Regulate

Screens ! These bright rectangles captivate both young and old. But for children, they can quickly become overwhelming. While it’s tempting to give in to their magnetic pull, it’s essential to consider their impact, especially before the age of 3. At this age, a child doesn’t understand what he sees on a screen and benefits much more from free play and autonomous exploration to learn and develop. So, how can we strike the right balance between keeping up with the times and not rushing things?

Before the age of 3, a child’s brain is still developing. Neuroscience shows that screen time at this age doesn’t foster learning or comprehension. Instead, it limits interactions with the real world and opportunities for independent play, which is essential for stimulating imagination and autonomy.

Screens also affect sleep quality due to the blue light they emit, disrupting melatonin production, and reducing verbal exchanges between parents and children. Not to mention the physical effects: less movement, poor posture, and increased eye strain.

Not All Screens Are Created Equal

It’s important to distinguish between passive and interactive screens. The former, like television, limit interactions and are not very cognitively stimulating. The latter, like some educational apps, can be beneficial if chosen carefully and used in moderation. However, even educational tools should remain a supplement, not a central activity in a child’s life.

Enfance Paris’s Advice

To limit screen time, it’s important to find a balance. Here are a few tips for a reasoned approach to screen use:

• Set clear rules: Experts recommend avoiding screens before the age of 3. Between the ages of 3 and 8, limit screen time to a maximum of 30 minutes per day, with supervision. After 8 years old, you can gradually increase the duration, while still prioritizing essential activities like free play, social interactions, and sports.
• Lead by example: Children imitate adults. If an adult is often on their phone or in front of a screen, children are likely to copy this behavior. Limit your own screen time when they’re around and encourage quality moments without technology.
• Offer age-appropriate alternatives: Provide activities suited to each age group. Before 3 years old, focus on storyboxes, puzzles, and sensory toys. Between 3 and 8 years old, foster their creativity with drawing, painting, or board games.
• Encourage disconnection time: Meals, outings, and family playtime should be screen-free. This strengthens bonds and helps establish routines.
• Parental control: Use parental control settings to restrict access to certain content or apps. Opt for carefully selected educational tools.

As highlighted in a report by a commission of experts convened in France in early 2024, we recommend delaying access to Android phones as much as possible, or even prohibiting the use of mobile phones before the age of 11, in order to protect children’s development.

We know this isn’t easy. Screens are part of our lives and can be helpful when used properly. But finding balance means ensuring they don’t take up too much space. With the right framework, enriching alternatives, and plenty of communication, you can help your children grow up peacefully in a world where the virtual and real coexist harmoniously. And above all, nothing replaces a moment of laughter and bonding with family, away from screens.