Findings from Public Health England reveal that British parents are concerned about their telephagous children. The study of 42,000 children and adolescents aged 8 to 15 reported that 62% of 11-year-olds, 71% of 13-year-olds and 68% of over-15s spent more than 2 hours a day in front of the TV.
Another symptomatic key figure of the present day, the share of young people glued to the computer has climbed in recent years: while 42% of boys played on the computer more than hours every night of the week in 2006, they were 55 % to do so in 2010. A proportion which is certainly higher in 2013 with the generalization of iPad. Among girls, the proportion also increased over the same period, from 14% in 2006 to 20% in 2010.
Health authorities warn against this tendency to excessive consumption of screens among young audiences. Indeed, beyond four hours a day in front of the screens (TV, consoles, computer and mobile phone), the psychological balance of the child risks being disturbed. These screens cut back on time spent playing sports or playing with friends. This lack of socialization would rub off on children’s anxiety levels.
Loss of self-confidence, low self-esteem and increased risk of depression, British experts are not going with the back of the spoon: “The more time spent in front of a screen, the greater the impact on behavioral problems and emotional related to children’s development will be important, “they say, adding:” Each hour of additional viewing increases the chances that children will experience socio-emotional problems and low self-esteem. “
Concern in France about the impact of screens
The dangers of overuse of screens have become a problem more and more addressed by specialists in childhood and addiction. The risks would not be confined to the United Kingdom. The omnipresence of screens is also worrying in France, where children spend around 3:30 a day in front of the TV, on the Internet, on video games or on cell phones. 3:30 am is much more than the little Brits …
