According to a study, spending a lot of time using tablets and cell phones could be detrimental Science and health

The survey, which covers about 2,500 children aged 2, is the latest evidence of the debate on the safe duration of use of screens for children.

In Canada and the United States, experts say that children should not use screens before the age of 18 months.

In the United Kingdom, where no such limit has been set, the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) baderts that the evidence is insufficient, even including this new study, to establish a "direct negative effect" of this behavior. .

Mothers were consulted about screen time between 2011 and 2016 and completed questionnaires about the abilities and development of their children at 2, 3 and 5 years of age.

This included watching television shows, movies or videos, playing video games and using a computer, tablet, mobile phone or other device with a screen .

At the age of two, children spent an average of 17 hours in front of screens per week. This increased to about 25 hours to 3 years, but fell to about 11 hours to 5 years, when children started in elementary school.

The findings, published in the journal Jama Pediatrics, suggest that there is an increase in the duration of screen use before a delay in development is found, rather than in a scenario in which children with developmental problems start using screens time.

But it is not clear if the increased use of screens is directly responsible. The longer screen time can be a simultaneous aspect of other problems related to developmental delays, such as how the child is educated and what the child does during the rest of his free time.

Scientists

When young children are watching a screen, they may not have the opportunity to practice and master other important skills.

In theory, this could disrupt social interactions and limit the amount of time children spend running and exercising other physical abilities.

Even in the absence of concrete evidence of harm, scientist Sheri Madigan and colleagues, the authors of the study, argue that it is always wise to limit the time spent in front of a screen for children and to ensure that it does not interfere with "interpersonal interactions or family time".

They also stated that they might have had to accompany even smaller children because it is becoming more common for babies to use screens.

How much screen time is excessive?

This is a good question, without a satisfactory answer. The new study makes no recommendation in this regard. Some of the 2-year-olds spent more than four hours a day, or 28 hours a week, in front of screens, according to their mother.

The American Pediatric Association (AAP) guidelines state:

• For children under 18 months of age, avoid using a screen in addition to video calling
• Parents in the United States. children aged 18 to 24 months. who wish to use digital media should choose quality programming and watch with their children to help them understand what they see;
• For children 2 to 5 years old, the use of screens should be limited to one hour a day and quality programs. Parents should watch with their children
• For children 6 years and older, set consistent limits, ensuring that the screen time does not disturb sleep and physical activity.

The Canadian Pediatric Society does more than just say. that children under 2 years old should not use the screens.

RCPCH published guidelines earlier this year, but without setting limits. The organization says that "the evidence is insufficient to guide parents on the appropriate screen time level" and that "can not recommend a screen time limit for children in general" .

The use of screens interferes with what the family wants to do

If a family is satisfied with the answers, it is likely that they are doing well on this complex issue, according to the RCPCH.

How to Reduce Projection Time

The AAP advises families to establish periods of non-use of the media, such as meals or car trips, as well as places where the media are forbidden, like the bedrooms.

According to the RCPCH, adults should badyze their own time of using screens and set a good example.

Most experts also advise children not to use the screens one hour before going to bed so that their brain has time to relax.

"We still need more research to determine if children are more vulnerable to damage from the screen and what impact this can have on their mental health," said Bernadka Dubicka of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.