Limiting screen time during childhood

The rapid rise of mobile screen devices and the universal availability of entertaining content have led to children being exposed to more media, often from a very early age. In an age fixated on prosperity, and where parental availability has diminished significantly, there are tangible consequences of this over-exposure on children's psycho-cognitive and socio-affective development.

What impact do screens have on a child's life? Children's contact with virtual worlds and the emotional experiences this entails will vary depending on the stage of their development. As they grow, they will be increasingly equipped to deal with the content they encounter.

With a view to helping parents and professionals tailor the use of different types of screen according to a child's age, the Ministry of Health recommends the principles of the '3-6-9-12' campaign developed in 2008 by Dr Serge Tisseron to teach children both how to use screens and how to do without them.