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Screen time
Digitalisation has changed our lives in many ways. In no age group is this change more evident than in children. Smartphones, tablets and computers are now part of the furniture in many households. But how much screen time is appropriate and how does too much screen time affect the health and development of children and young people?
This article provides an overview of the current situation in Switzerland. How much time do children and young people spend in front of a screen? What are the health impacts of too much screen time? Sleep problems, lack of exercise and mental stress are just some of the problems caused by too much time in front of a screen. In addition to advice for age-appropriate screen time, this article provides strategies for a healthy balance between analogue and digital leisure activities.
How much time do Swiss children and young adults spend in front of screens?
These days in Switzerland and many other countries, children and young people are faced with an unprecedented variety of screens. Whether it’s the TV, computer, smartphone or tablet, temptation is everywhere. Do you know how much time your children spend in front of these digital devices?
According to a study by Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Swiss children aged four to six spend an average of 56 minutes a day in front of a screen. In primary school, this figure rises to an average of 80 minutes. Screen use is even higher among teenagers. The internet alone is used on average for more than three hours a day during the week. If you add gaming, social media and TV, the figure is even higher.
Children spend a considerable amount of their free time in front of screens. This can have a variety of effects on the health of our children and young people.
Are screens making my child ill?
Excessive screen use can have a significant impact on the health and development of children and young people. Let’s take a closer look at possible consequences on their health.
1. Physical health:
Children and young people who spend hours in front of a screen have less time for physical activity outdoors. However, exercise is key to developing motor skills and staying fit. In extreme cases, inactivity during screen time can lead to obesity and, in the long term, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The use of digital media and technologies often goes hand in hand with poor posture and with it, back and neck pain. Screens also emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin production and negatively impacts our sleep.
2. Social media and body image:
Social media influences body image and mental health. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Facebook are omnipresent and often show an unrealistic image of beauty and perfection. On these platforms, people share images that have often been altered by filters and editing tools to look flawless and idealised.
Anyone who sees these images can end up comparing themselves and distorting their self-image. This can create a lot of pressure, specially in adolescence when finding your own identity depends heavily on comparing yourself to others. This pressure increases the likelihood of depression and other mental health problems. It can also lead to body image disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and body dysmorphia.
To address these challenges, it is important to encourage young people to develop a critical awareness of the influence of social media and to teach them that it does not reflect reality.
3. Behaviour, emotional control and impulse control:
Too much screen time can also have an impact on the behaviour of children and young people. Studies show that children who spend a lot of time in front of a screen are more likely to have behavioural problems like impulsivity and attention disorders. It has also been shown that too much screen time can lead to changes in brain activity. These changes can lead to poorer attention control and therefore reduce their ability to concentrate. In addition, unregulated exposure to content containing violence or inappropriate behaviour can exacerbate these problems.
4. Effects on infant development:
The impacts of excessive screen time are particularly significant for young children. Early childhood development can be impaired by the passive consumption of digital content. Passive screen time, where children only consume content, offers limited opportunities for interaction and communication. This can have a negative impact on language development, as young children speak less and listen less to others during screen time. In addition, excessive use of digital media can leave less time for creative activities like reading, painting, making music or playing with friends. However, creative activities are important as they promote cognitive and artistic development, stimulate the imagination and strengthen problem-solving skills.
Screen time: Recommendations for children and young adults
The effects of excessive screen time on children’s health are very concerning. But how much is too much?
Firstly, it is important to emphasise that not all children react to screen time in the same way. As children are not yet able to regulate their own behaviour, it is important that adults set boundaries for them. Children should also learn to assess and regulate their screen time themselves as they get older.
This is what the 3-6-9-12 rule aims to achieve. This rule created by psychoanalyst Serge Tisseron is based on a continuous learning process around digital media, without setting specific time limits. For all ages, screen time should be limited, parents should talk to their children about their experiences, and children’s creativity should be encouraged.
Children under the age of 3: Toddlers should first experience the real world with all their senses and not interact with digital devices if possible at this age. Rapid shot changes and exciting visual effects and sounds can quickly overstimulate babies and toddlers, whether this content is displayed on a mobile phone, tablet or television. Digital devices should only be used when accompanied and should not be held by small children.
3 to 6 years: At this age, parents should select suitable content and continue to limit screen time. In this age group, content should be watched together and discussed as a family. Screens are especially taboo during mealtimes and bedtimes and should never be used to calm the child.
6 to 9 years: At this age, screens should be used as creatively as possible. Children aged six to nine should also learn about the internet and the opportunities and risks it presents. In particular, the topic of data protection should be addressed. Screen time should remain regulated, and it also makes sense to limit where screens are used, as they have no place in bedrooms or playrooms. As children get older, there can be more room for negotiation.
9 to 12 years: At this age, you should make agreements with your children, as they learn to take into account the needs and experiences of both sides. Parents should continue to decide whether or not the child is allowed to use the internet on their own and whether it makes sense for them to have their own mobile phone at this age.
From the age of 12: At the end of primary school, children usually begin to use the internet independently. This is difficult to stop once they get their first smartphone. Nevertheless, it is important to make agreements together and set clear boundaries like fixed times. For example, screens and the internet should be switched off at night. At this age, it is also important to talk about issues like fake news, pornography, sexting, cyberbullying and grooming.
But how do I set boundaries?
Even as adults, we are all too familiar with the fascination of digital media. Have you never watched the next episode of your favourite series when you should be in bed? Limiting screen time can quickly end in frustration and tears. The following tips will help you make the transition from the digital to the analogue world as smooth as possible:
1. Be a role model:
Children are guided by the behaviour of adults. Therefore, show your child a healthy balance between analogue and digital activities. When parents manage their own screen time consciously and moderately and have hobbies away from screens, they inspire their children to do the same.
2. Shared screen time:
One way to frame screen time positively is to use digital media together. Talk to your child about the content they have watched or read. This also gives children the opportunity to talk about their experiences and feelings regarding digital media. Open communication like this helps you to recognise potential problems head on.
3. Quality over quantity:
Focus on the quality of the screen time, not just the quantity. Choose content that is age-appropriate and educational. Active participation and discussions about the content are crucial.
4. Screen-free time and rooms:
Establish screen-free time and rooms at home. This allows children to concentrate on other activities and take a break from screens. Tablets and other devices should not be used at the dinner table or in bedrooms to avoid affecting eating and sleeping habits. Most smartphones give you the option to view and limit screen time in the settings. Selected apps then switch off automatically after a set time, which can prevent any disputes. Instructions on how to do this can be found on the internet by searching “digital well-being and parental controls”, for example on the website nextpit.de.
Screen time can certainly lead to heated family discussions. Nevertheless, it is important not to avoid talking about it. By tackling the issue of digital media and screen time together, parents can enable their children to enjoy the benefits of technology without it having a negative impact on their health and development.
Further information for parents:
- The website Schau hin! helps parents and guardians navigate the digital media world and gives concrete, everyday tips on how to closely monitor their children’s media consumption.
- The brochure “Media literacy: tips for using digital media safely” from Zurich University of Applied Sciences answers frequently asked questions about young people and digital media.
- The addiction prevention centre in the Canton of Zurich has published the brochure “Supporting children: focus on use of media” with tips for parents of children up to the age of four.
References:
Groelly, L. (12 July 2023). Neue 3-6-9-12-Empfehlung für Bildschirmzeit. The Swiss magazine for parents Fritz+Fränzi. https://www.fritzundfraenzi.ch/medien/die-neue-3-6-9-12-empfehlung-von-serge-tisseron/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAjMKqBhCgARIsAPDgWlwyxzp7vvMiU4DRVn4DCYw0sEIZpAE3FTXw2vUfbqx7QHTvenF4I38aAjlhEALw_wcB
Külling, C., Waller, G., Suter, L., Willemse, I., Bernath, J., Skirgaila, P., Streule, P., & Süss, D. (2022). JAMES – Jugend, Aktivitäten, Medien – Erhebung Schweiz. Zurich: Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
Marciano, L., Camerini, A.-L., & Morese, R. (2021). The developing brain in the digital era: A scoping review of structural and functional correlates of screen time in adolescence. Frontiers of Psychology, 12, 671817. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.671817/full
Pro Juventute. (n. d.). Bildschirmzeit: Empfehlungen für Kinder und Jugendliche. https://www.projuventute.ch/de/eltern/medien-internet/bildschirmzeit
Pro Juventute. (n. d.). Wie digitale Medien aufs kindliche Gehirn wirken. https://www.projuventute.ch/de/eltern/medien-internet/digitale-medien-hirnentwicklung
SCHAU HIN! (n.d.). WHO empfiehlt wenig Bildschirmzeit für Kleinkinder. https://www.schau-hin.info/news/who-empfiehlt-wenig-bildschirmzeit-fuer-kleinkinder#:~:text=Angemessene%20Bildschirmzeit&text=Dies%20begr%C3%BCndet%20die%20WHO%20damit,nicht%20%C3%BCberschreiten%2C%20weniger%20sei%20besser.
SCHAU HIN! (n. d.). Medienzeiten: Feste Bildschirmzeiten für Kinder vereinbaren. https://www.schau-hin.info/grundlagen/medienzeiten-feste-bildschirmzeiten-fuer-kinder-vereinbaren
Suter, L., Bernath, J., Willemse, I., Külling, C., Waller, G., Skirgaila, P., & Süss, D. (2023). MIKE – Medien, Interaktion, Kinder, Eltern: Ergebnisbericht zur MIKE-Studie 2021. Zurich: Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
Takahashi, I., Obara, T., Ishikuro, M., Murakami, K., Ueno, F., Noda, A., Onuma, T., Shinoda, G., Nishimura, T., Tsuchiya, K. J., & Kuriyama, S. (2023). Screen time at age 1 year and communication and problem-solving developmental delay at 2 and 4 years. JAMA Pediatrics, 177(10), 1039. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3057
