Do screens destroy children’s brains?

The harmful effects of screens on children

Numerous scientific and biological reviews have demonstrated the harmful effects of screens on children. According to the researchers, using smartphones, tablets and video games for more than 7 hours a day resulted in consequences on cognitive abilities, namely: language delay or difficulty, premature thinning of the cortex, aging of the brain, decrease in white matter, relationship problems, anxiety, difficulty socializing, lack of sleep, stress, anxiety, depression and many others. Based on these studies, the WHO has recommended that screens should be banned for children under 2 years of age and limited to one hour per day for those between 2 and 5 years of age.

Studies that show the opposite

Yet, other studies conducted in 2019 by the Oxford Internet Institute noted a positive correlation between screens and psycho-cognitive function. It seems that watching television or playing video games can help children develop their learning.

Screens can indeed help to acquire language, develop concentration, stimulate the brain or the mind, only if screen time is respected. That is, you will not have to spend more time on the screens. In these same studies, researchers showed that the effect of screens could be beneficial "from 5 hours and 8 minutes per day".

It's all about good use and content

Although studies contradict each other on the effects of screens on children, they agree that it is all a question of proper use. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to live without screens and all the technology that goes with them. Thus, to preserve the children, it is necessary to focus on the contents before the time spent.

For your children, it will therefore be favorable to turn to educational content is much more beneficial than viewing meaningless content and not adapted to their learning. Also, it is necessary to know how to limit the time of use of the screens and to propose them for moderate durations (one to two hours per day).

What content to choose?

Today you can find a lot of applications, games and activities on tablets and phones dedicated to children. It is normal to feel confused, to not know how to choose or to be afraid of making a mistake.

Each application present on the Appstore or Play Store has a presentation with images or videos. So you can start selecting games from here. If you want, you can search for the application on the internet, see if there is a dedicated site with more information or ask your friends and family.

There are some criteria you should consider when choosing apps or games for kids:

• the games must be adapted to the child: you must think about what age your child is and choose the games adapted to his age. For example, for children between 4 and 6 years old, you can choose games with known shapes, colors and images (for example with animals). Then you can look for games that use more language or reading.
• The child must be an actor of the game: if you want to stimulate your child, he must not remain passive in front of the screen (for example to watch videos or listen to music). On the contrary, he must interact with the screen, he must use his skills to solve the game etc... So choose games where the child must think, use his memory, his logic or his attention.
• Educational games: to be beneficial, the game must be educational. It must therefore allow the child to work on the cognitive functions that are useful for his learning and development.

COCO THINKS AND COCO MOVES,

THE EDUCATIONAL APP
5-10 YEARS

If you want to offer adapted and positive content for your children, we recommend the application Coco, the hero of smart and funny games. It is an educational and cultural game program with over 30 games. These games allow you to work all your cognitive functions in an intelligent way, enriching your vocabulary and having fun!

In addition, with COCO, there is an enforced sports break every 15 minutes of screen time. Then they have to play sports! This allows them to air their brains.

COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES : the sports break imposed every 15 minutes of screen time

After 15 minutes of using the screen, Coco stops and proposes a sports break. During this dynamic break, the child can ventilate his brain and is not overloaded with stimuli sent by the screen. On the contrary, it has time to better process the information received.

During the break, the child learns to know his body, to adapt his movements according to the space available or to recognize the effects of emotions on his body. So Coco's physical activities are a break, but they are still educational activities.

Discover the COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES app

The COCO THINKS and COCO MOVES app contains more than 30 educational games to work on English, math, logic, memory or attention.

In addition, the application imposes a sports break every 15 minutes of screen time to teach a measured use of screens.

Much smarter than a parental control!

Understanding Screen Time Guidelines

Screen time guidelines are crucial for parents to ensure their children engage with technology in a healthy manner. Various health organizations provide recommendations based on age groups to help parents navigate this complex issue.

• Under 2 Years: No screen time is recommended, except for video chatting.
• Ages 2 to 5: Limit screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming.
• Ages 6 and Older: Encourage a balanced approach, ensuring screens do not interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviors.

By adhering to these guidelines, parents can help their children enjoy the benefits of technology while minimizing potential risks.

Encouraging Active Engagement with Screens

Active engagement with screens can transform passive viewing into interactive learning experiences. Here are some strategies to promote active involvement:

• Interactive Learning: Choose educational apps that require problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Co-Viewing: Watch shows or play games together, discussing content and asking questions to stimulate conversation.
• Creative Projects: Use screens as tools for creative projects, such as digital storytelling or art, encouraging children to express themselves.

These approaches not only enhance the learning experience but also strengthen the bond between parents and children through shared activities.

Signs of Excessive Screen Time

Recognizing the signs of excessive screen time is essential for parents to intervene before negative effects manifest. Some indicators include:

• Behavior Changes: Increased irritability or mood swings when screen time is limited.
• Sleep Issues: Difficulty falling asleep or frequent waking during the night.
• Social Withdrawal: Reduced interest in playing with peers or engaging in family activities.
• Physical Symptoms: Complaints of headaches, eye strain, or fatigue after prolonged screen use.

Being vigilant about these signs can help parents adjust screen time and promote healthier habits.

Alternatives to Screen Time

Finding alternatives to screen time can help children engage in more physical and social activities. Here are some suggestions:

• Outdoor Play: Encourage children to play outside, fostering physical fitness and social skills.
• Arts and Crafts: Provide materials for creative projects, allowing children to express themselves artistically.
• Board Games and Puzzles: Introduce family game nights with board games or puzzles to promote critical thinking and teamwork.
• Reading Together: Set aside time for reading, whether it's storytime or independent reading, to enhance literacy skills.

By incorporating these alternatives, parents can help children develop a well-rounded set of skills and interests beyond screens.