Europe 1 with AFP 11:05 a.m., February 2, 2024
The group of experts attached to the Elysée responsible for assessing the impact of screens on young people will propose “regulatory recommendations” for children and support measures for adults, the Minister of Health declared on Thursday. Catherine Vautrin.
The group of experts attached to the Elysée responsible for assessing the impact of screens on young people will propose “regulatory recommendations” for children and support measures for adults, the Minister of Health declared on Thursday. Catherine Vautrin.
Conclusions expected in April
Opening a press conference on the subject at the ministry, Catherine Vautrin recalled that the President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, had formed "a group of experts, from diverse backgrounds" (health professionals, specialists in the development of children, industry players, sociologists, philosophers, community players, etc.).
Two-year-olds spend an average of 56 minutes a day in front of a screen
Their conclusions, expected "in April", should "bring out a scientific consensus on the consequences of screens on the health of young people". The group will have to "evaluate the effectiveness of all the systems" already put in place and must “propose regulatory recommendations concerning the use of screens among children and support for adults,” detailed the minister.
“I think that there is no parent who does not want to be as informed as possible about the way in which they must protect their child,” judged Ms. Vautrin, recalling that two-year-old children spend an average of 56 minutes per day in front of a screen.
Macron in favor of “restrictions” on the use of screens by children
Parents are "sometimes disconcerted by the dispersion of existing actors and systems", she judged. Asked about the idea of decreeing bans, the minister seemed to rule out this possibility: "We are not at the heart of every home. On the other hand, preventing, informing to help, is much more effective," she said. -she says.
Emmanuel Macron had not ruled out in mid-January that there would be "bans" and "restrictions" on the use of screens by children, after having brought together the group of experts for the first time.