Children and screens: what impact on their development?
Since the start of the study SEROCoV-KIDSstudy, which some of you are taking part in with your children, the research teams have been looking at the use of digital technology, screens and social networks among young people.
The initial aim of the questions we are asking participants is to understand what role the COVID-19 pandemic may have played in attitudes to the use of screens. One of the results of the SEROCoV-KIDS study, published at the beginning of 2023showed that out of 2101 children aged between 2 and 17, 12.7% had been severely affected by the pandemic. Among other factors, such as a chronic health problem or a reduction in physical activity, the increase in screen time was a factor associated with the perception of a severe impact from the pandemic.
Over and above the consequences of the pandemic, these current themes around the development of digital practices can be explored to better understand their impact on the general health and well-being of children and teenagers. For example, from the age of 4, we ask questions about the average time spent using screens on different media such as a telephone or a computer, or to understand whether their use is recreational or educational.
With regard to the adolescent population, we are seeking to assess the frequency of use of social networks and what this may imply for their daily lives. Various research projects on the use of screens are currently underway. For example, we are exploring the issue of cyberbullying on social networks and the associated psychosocial risks. Furthermore, in a context of rapid development of digital technologies, what is the prevalence, i.e. the rate of use of artificial intelligence by young people today and in the future? In this way, the SEROCoV-KIDS study is gathering valuable information on practices that are constantly changing, so that we can study their impact on the health and development of young people in the longer term.
Some of these questions will be included in a new questionnaire on the theme of education, which SEROCoV-KIDS participants will receive shortly.
