In today's digital age, ensuring the well-being of children amidst the omnipresence of screens has become a paramount concern. The ubiquity of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers has raised significant concerns about their impact on children's mental and physical health. France has embarked on a comprehensive initiative to safeguard young minds from the potential harms of excessive screen time.
Current Government Actions to Avoid Excessive Screen Time for Children
France has taken significant steps to protect children online by enacting Law No. 2022-300 in March 2022. This law mandated installing parental control systems on all internet-enabled devices sold in France, to block access to harmful content. While awaiting new laws, France has already implemented several measures to curb screen time:
Parental Control Defaults: From July 2024 onwards, every internet-enabled device sold in France must come with pre-installed parental controls. These controls, available at device activation, are a critical component of the 2022 legislation aimed at protecting children from inappropriate online content.
School Regulations: Existing laws prohibit mobile phone use in nurseries, primary, and lower secondary schools during teaching activities, though enforcement varies.
Social Media Age Verification: France requires social media platforms to verify users' ages and obtain parental consent for those under 15. This is part of a broader effort to establish a 'digital majority' age of 15 across Europe.
Tech Industry Response
The tech industry, particularly Google, has responded proactively to these regulatory changes. Google intends to leverage its Family Link parental controls and enhance its Digital Wellbeing app to comply with French regulations. These updates will allow parents to set PIN-protected time limits and control app usage, reinforcing the protective measures mandated by French law.
Apple is enhancing its Screen Time feature, providing parents with more granular controls over app usage and downtime. Samsung has also committed to integrating comprehensive parental control systems in their devices sold in France, ensuring compliance with the new laws.
Notably, the Chinese government's stricter regulations on screen time for minors have influenced global manufacturers to adopt more robust parental controls. In China, minors are restricted to a maximum of two hours per day online, with even stricter limits for younger children. These measures have prompted manufacturers to develop more advanced tools to help parents manage screen time effectively.
Google Family Link
Google's Family Link app is a cornerstone of the tech giant's approach to helping parents manage their children's digital use. The app allows parents to create Google accounts for their children under 13, which are monitored by the parents' accounts. Parents can manage apps, monitor screen time, and set device bedtime hours. This app is particularly crucial in France's new regulatory environment, offering a straightforward way for parents to comply with the law's requirements.
Recommendations and Proposed Measures
Recognising the pervasive influence of digital devices on young children, President Macron announced in January 2024 the formation of a task force comprising experts in addiction, education, neurology, psychology, and digital technology. Their mission was to assess the impact of screen time on children and recommend robust policy changes.
By April, the task force had compiled a comprehensive report, which was leaked to various media outlets. This report underscored the "very clear consensus on the negative effects" of screen time on children. Key findings highlighted the correlation between excessive screen use and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, especially in children with pre-existing vulnerabilities. The report also expressed concerns over children's exposure to inappropriate content.
The task force's recommendations were wide-ranging and aimed at various aspects of children's digital interactions:
Screen Access: No screen time for children under three years old and highly limited access between three to six years, focusing on educational content with adult supervision.
Mobile Phones and Social Media: Restrict mobile phone use to devices without internet access until age 13, with a gradual introduction to ethical social media platforms like Mastodon or Bluesky at age 15, while avoiding apps like Instagram and TikTok until 18.
Schools and Nurseries: Establish 'mobile-free' zones in secondary schools and experiment with 'smartphone-free' environments to assess impacts on school life and bullying.
Predatory Practices: Combat addictive design features like infinite scrolling and automatic video launches that tech companies employ to capture children's attention.
The Road Ahead
President Macron's advocacy for a 'digital majority' age of 15 across Europe underscores the potential for these measures to influence broader European policy. By aligning national regulations with European standards, France hopes to create a safer digital environment for children continent-wide.
As France implements these new regulations, the emphasis remains on continuous parental education and vigilance. Despite the robust legislative framework, the responsibility of guiding children through the digital landscape ultimately rests with parents and guardians. The government's online resources, such as the site jeprotegemonenfant.gouv.fr, provide valuable tools and information to assist parents in managing their children's screen time effectively.
In conclusion, France's multi-faceted approach to protecting children from excessive screen time reflects a deep commitment to fostering a healthy digital upbringing. Through a combination of expert recommendations, legislative action, and industry collaboration, France is setting a precedent for safeguarding young minds in the digital age.
Written By:
Marcella Frattari is the Digital Communications Manager at SmartViser, primarily responsible for ViserMark content creation and social media management. She holds a journalism background and is pursuing a master's degree in digital communications and marketing.
Marcella brings a dynamic and creative approach to her work, consistently striving to enhance the company's online presence and engagement.
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Debbie Bouffler: Contact@visermark.com
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