Background on the French Government’s Decision
The French government has officially prohibited the use of digital screens in preschools and childcare centers for children under three years old, aiming to “voluntarily protect” them from these stimuli during their early life stages. Previously, this practice was considered “not recommended” rather than explicitly forbidden.
The Shift in Policy
Previously, the National Welcome Charter for Early Childhood only suggested avoiding screen exposure for children under three years old due to developmental risks. However, the recently approved decree, published on July 2nd in the Official Bulletin, goes further by explicitly banning screen use and emphasizing that children need to interact with their environment, utilize all five senses, and stay active.
Details of the New Guidelines
The National Health Insurance Fund will send detailed information to parents and guardians of children under three years old, including the new screen ban and additional recommendations:
- Under three years old: No screen use, not even with the screen turned off.
- Between three and six years old: Very occasional use, accompanied by an adult, to view age-appropriate content.
- At any age: Never use screens during meals, bedtime routines, or to soothe a child.
Expert Consultation and Final Decision
The decree was approved and published following a January 2024 meeting of an expert commission on the topic. Their final report, released in April 2024, stressed the importance of voluntarily protecting the youngest children from screen exposure, particularly during early life stages. The report also urged reinforcing the existing recommendation of no screen exposure.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main reason behind this decision? The French government aims to protect young children from potential developmental risks associated with excessive screen exposure during their crucial early years.
- What specific age groups are affected by this ban? The decree applies to children under three years old in preschools and daycare centers.
- What are the new guidelines for screen use?
- Under three years old: No screen use, not even with the screen turned off.
- Between three and six years old: Very occasional use, accompanied by an adult, to view age-appropriate content.
- At any age: Never use screens during meals, bedtime routines, or to soothe a child.
- Who will receive information about these new guidelines? The National Health Insurance Fund will send detailed information to parents and guardians of children under three years old.
