Children and screens: A survey by French pediatricians

Abstract

Introduction: Screens are increasingly prevalent within families. The excessive use of screens by children has negative consequences. To measure the use of screens, we undertook an investigation among children being followed by pediatricians.

Methods: An invitation to participate was sent electronically to 1460 private practice pediatricians. They were asked to complete the questionnaire on screen use by children under 12 years of age during a consultation, according to statements made by parents.

Results: One hundred and forty-four pediatricians submitted completed questionnaires involving 428 children. Among the 197 children under 3 years of age, 92 had played with an interactive screen for a median duration of 30min during the preceding week; 29% of the children were alone at the time. One hundred and thirty-nine children had watched television for a median weekly duration of 75min. Of the 231 children 3-11 years of age, 108 had played with an interactive screen for a median time of 30min the day before the consultation, and 50% of them were alone at the time. One hundred and seventy-two children watched television for a median daily duration of 45min. There was a correlation between these children's screen time and their mother's (r=0.36). The television was on during meals and continuously in 35% and 21% of the families, respectively.

Conclusions: Children start looking at screens early, too often watching unsuitable programs, and too often without a parent's present. Regardless of the child's age, pediatricians must ask parents how much time their children are viewing screens, advise them accordingly, and warn them of the consequences of excessive use.

Keywords: Mobile device; Pediatric survey; Screen; Television.