Even if it is difficult to establish a clear diagnosis for tools that have multiple uses, scientific knowledge allows us to draw some conclusions and give practical advice. For children and adults alike.
They have invaded our lives, to the point that we spend several hours a day with our eyes glued to them. Even seniors, historically reluctant, are increasingly addicted to it, according to Médiamétrie. TV, computer, smartphone, tablet… Screens occupy a place in our daily lives that has raised concerns for decades. These fears are regularly revived, for example during the riots of the summer of 2023, when Emmanuel Macron had targeted social networks – which according to him lead to “a form of escape from reality” – and video games that “have been intoxicated” Some young people.
These concerns prompted the Head of State to announce in January the creation of a commission of experts, responsible for proposing “a scientific consensus” For “let us enlighten a public debate” and which delivers its conclusions on Tuesday April 30 after several weeks of work. But since the effects of screens have been raising questions, has science not succeeded in settling the question? Franceinfo attempts to take stock of the situation.
A term that does not allow a precise diagnosis
If screens are the subject of endless debate, it is largely because the term itself is vague. “It’s an expression that encompasses anything and everything”, underlines Vanessa Lalo, clinical psychologist specializing in digital practices. For her, we should distinguish the object from the use made of it. “Are we talking about the television, a game console, an e-reader, a smartphone? Are we using it interactively or passively? Alone or accompanied? What do we consult there?”
“We should not focus on the object but on the way it is used.”
Vanessa Lalo, clinical psychologist specializing in digital practicesat franceinfo
However, do the screens have common negative consequences on which scientific studies seem to agree? Yes, but not always because of the device itself.
Some documented adverse effects…
The first notable impact is on sleep. “More and more studies suggest that looking at a screen, such as a smartphone or computer for example, is associated with shorter and poorer quality sleep”explains Séverine Erhel, lecturer in cognitive psychology and ergonomics at Rennes 2 University. And less good sleep can have other consequences, such as mood or memory disorders.
Leaving a small child passively exposed to screens for prolonged and regular periods also has negative effects. Not because of the screen in itself, but rather because this viewing time will not be devoted to other activities more beneficial to the child’s development, which would help him to stimulate his senses, verbalize or exercise.
“We know that before 18 months, the child cannot benefit from any learning on a screen, even with educational content.”
Vanessa Laloat franceinfo
The same phenomenon explains why passive exposure to content on screens can be associated with slight developmental delays in certain areas, such as language, according to several studies (here and here). According to a study published in August 2023, leaving the TV on in the background during family meals, for example, is, for 2-year-olds, weakly associated with slightly less language development; for children aged 3 and a half, to a slight delay in general cognitive development. “Television interferes with the quantity and quality of parent-child interactions”explain the researchers.
Some studies also confirm that following an activity on a screen in parallel with learning degrades the quality of the latter. “When students attend a course and follow another activity at the same time, particularly on social networks, we notice a decline in the quality of memorization, particularly of information given orally”explains Séverine Erhel.
…but other benefits that are much more difficult to assess
Apart from these well-identified impacts, scientists find it more difficult to comment. Not only because practices vary so much from one screen to another that it is difficult to attribute common effects to these objects, but also because it is necessary to be able to determine that another variable does not come into play. “When we remove the effects of the socio-economic context, we realize that the effects of screens are much weaker than at first glance”, underlines Séverine Erhel. An opinion shared by Marc Auriacombe, psychiatrist-addictologist at the Charles-Perrens hospital in Bordeaux and professor of addictology at the University of Bordeaux.
“Often the screen doesn’t cause the problem, it reveals it.”
Marc Auriacombe, psychiatrist-addictologistat franceinfo
The impacts on well-being are difficult to assess precisely. A meta-analysis concludes that there is a correlation between the duration of screen use and the appearance of depressive symptoms. But a previous study carried out using a large number of data estimated the impact of screen use at only 0.4% of variations in well-being.
By constantly talking about the negative effects of screens, we can quickly forget the positive consequences, potentially just as numerous. “These same objects can be an infinite window of cultural or artistic learning,” recalls Vanessa Lalo. Thus social networks, often singled out in cases of cyberharassment, are useful for creating connections and sharing experiences. “A study shows, for example, that people with depressive symptoms who interact on social networks will show fewer signs of distress than those who do not interact”underlines Séverine Erhel. Here again, the effect is linked to the practice more than to the object.
No “addiction” to screens?
This is partly why we don’t talk about “addiction” to screens, even if certain behaviors can be similar at first glance. “Problematic screen use is not recognized as an addiction within the meaning of the DSM-5”the international reference manual for mental disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association, recalls Marc Auriacombe, who participated, for this work, in the working group dedicated to addictions.
“In the context of alcohol addiction, we are not talking about glass addiction. It is perhaps the same thing for screens.”
Marc Auriacombeat franceinfo
“On the other hand, the screen increases the addictive risk associated with many things, such as gambling, because it makes them immediately available all the time”underlines the specialist, who calls for continued research in the area. “And theoretically it is possible that the screen itself could be an addictive object, because there is a positive reinforcement mechanism”estimates Marc Auriacombe.
“Some people will try to manage their negative emotions by distracting themselves with some screen use, for example by going on social mediaexplains Séverine Erhel. The first time, this use will trigger a positive emotion, which will encourage you to come back. But the next time, even if the use of social networks triggers a negative emotion, the person will still have the reflex to distract themselves with this practice, which maintains a vicious circle.
Some simple rules to apply
For to tackle the problems associated with screen use more effectively, it would therefore take less look at the “container” and more on the contents. On the dock, we find in particular the recommendation algorithms of social platforms and networks, which encourage users to stay connected as long as possible, thus encouraging problematic uses.
“These algorithms and predatory designs are designed to retain us as long as possible and monetize our attention.”
Séverine Erhel, lecturer in cognitive psychology at Rennes 2 Universityat franceinfo
To avoid falling into this negative spiral, specialists make several recommendations, applicable from a very young age. There are major principles, such as the rule of “3-6-9-12 tags” established by the psychiatrist Serge Tisseron: no screen before the age of 3, no game console before the age of 6, no internet before age 9 and internet alone from 12 years old. These are not immutable rules not to be broken but broad guidelines to be adapted according to the context and needs. “Putting a child in front of a cartoon for five minutes is not going to suddenly dumb him down”reassures Vanessa Lalo.
One of the most important pieces of advice for parents is valid whatever the context: communicate with your children. “We have to show them that we are interested in them and what they are watching, not to treat these activities as something ‘stupid'”, insists Vanessa Lalo. We also need to talk to them about the risks, explain what they are the limits to place with strangers or even acquaintances on the internet, describe the scams to avoid. And discuss with them the parental control measures to put in place, for example by limiting the time authorized on certain applications.
“Children need to know that if they have difficulty, they can talk to their parents quickly.”
Séverine Erhelat franceinfo
To adopt, or get people to adopt, the right behaviors, nothing beats positive recommendations: practice other activities, whether sporting, creative or cerebral. And even when screens are used, Vanessa Lalo reminds us that it is always possible to turn to original or stimulating content, from popularization videos to cooperative games. To avoid impacts on sleep, it is better to leave the screens at the bedroom door. Experts agree on a precautionary principle, summarized by the World Health Organization: “Less is more.”