The impact of screens on the brain

56 minutes every day: in France, this is the time spent on average by a 2-year-old child in front of screens, a time which rises to an hour and twenty minutes for a 3 and a half year-old child. These figures, which come from a study published a year ago by Santé Publique France, are cause for concern when we know that many experts completely recommend the use of screens before the age of 3. But toddlers are confronted with screens on a daily basis, particularly television screens.

Early exposure to screens: physiological as well as psychological effects

Part of the answer already exists. The effects of the widespread use of the small screen on physical health are well documented: among them, studies point to a reduction in life expectancy, an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. . But today the question arises of the psychological traces that these uses can leave on children and adolescents. What is the impact on their brain and their development? What are educational tablets worth? From what age can they have them? How can we best support them so that they use screens intelligently?

As for adults who are on average glued to these screens for more than 5 hours a day, outside of any professional use, some end up developing a real addiction. When to worry and what to do?