The President of the French Republic has received the conclusions of the commission of experts set up toassess the impact of young people's exposure to screens. After more than three months' work, they presented the conclusions of their reports to the Head of State.

We'd like to share with you a simplified guide to the recommendations contained in the 130-page "Screen Commission" report.

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Here are 10 key points from the "Commission écran" document on children's exposure to screens:

1. Emancipation and risks: Screens have the capacity to emancipate children by offering them free access to knowledge, but they also carry risks of alienating and monetizing young people.

2. Hyperconnection: The commission noted that children are hyperconnected, with corporate strategies aimed at capturing their attention and locking them into compulsive screen use.

3. Adverse health consequences: Screen use has been scientifically linked to various health problems in children, such as sleep deprivation, obesity and eye problems.

4. Regulating screen use: It's crucial to regulate screen use, especially for children up to the age of 4, to minimize the negative impact on their socio-emotional and cognitive development.

5. Addiction and mental health: Although screen addiction as such is not yet scientifically recognized, intensive use of social networks and other applications can aggravate vulnerabilities in children and adolescents, particularly in terms of mental health.

6. Protecting minors: Screens expose children to inappropriate and potentially dangerous content, requiring reinforced protective measures to safeguard their digital environment.

7. Policy recommendations: The commission proposes recommendations for stricter management of children's exposure to screens, including bans and regulations on content and commercial practices.

8. Education and support: It is essential to improve digital education and support children in their use of screens, helping parents and educators to navigate this complex field.

9. Legislative proposals: Several legislative proposals have been put forward to better regulate children's use of screens, with a focus on preventing abuse and protecting health.

10. Governance and global strategy: The establishment of robust governance and a global strategy is recommended to coordinate national and international efforts to regulate children's exposure to screens.

With the constant development of new technologies, it's imperative to ensure that our children use screens in a safe and healthy way.

For this to happen, parents need to be involved alongside their children, to give meaning to the limitations and freedoms being promoted, to move towards more exemplary behavior, and to give "human" time back to children and teenagers.

1️⃣ Content monitoring and management

• • Reinforce content regulation: Make sure your children only access age-appropriate content to avoid unpleasant surprises.
  • Use parental control tools: These have become more intuitive and accessible. Don't hesitate to configure them on all your home devices.

2️⃣ Education and awareness

• • Educate your children and yourself: Understand the risks and benefits of screens. Digital education both at school and at home is essential.
  • Educate yourself about safe practices: It's crucial to monitor children's online activities and teach them how to surf the Internet safely.

3️⃣ Reducing hyperconnection

• • Follow recommendations on screen time: Adapt screen time to your children's age, and make sure they take regular breaks.
  • Encourage off-screen activities: Whether it's sports, reading or board games, diversifying your children's activities contributes to their balanced development.

4️⃣ Health risk prevention

• • Watch out for signs of eyestrain and sleep disorders: encourage regular breaks and ensure adequate lighting when using screens.
  • Promote physical activity: compensate for screen-induced sedentariness with movement and active play.

5️⃣ Greater protection against abuse

• • Stay informed about laws and regulations: Protect your children from commercial practices that exploit their vulnerability, especially in apps and games.

📚 Tips for parents

• • Establish clear rules: Set limits on screen time and discuss them openly with your children.
  • Be a role model: Set an example of balanced use of technology.
  • Open dialogue: Maintain regular communication about their online experiences, both the good and the bad.
  • Promote alternative activities: Stimulate your children's interest in diversified leisure activities to reduce their dependence on screens.

By following these guidelines, you'll help your children navigate today's digital landscape more safely and consciously.

The Soft Kids team 🌈