Screen Time Worries Around the World: A Real Problem or Just Fear?
Many people around the world are worried about how much time children spend looking at screens. Governments, parents, and teachers are asking: Is this new fear real? Or is it just like other fears from the past? This kind of fear is not new. In the 1800s, people were scared that electric lights might cause blindness or bad sleep. In the 1400s, the printing press was not welcomed by everyone. Some thought it would spread lies and make people lazy. But later, it helped more people read and learn.
The list goes on. In the past, people were also afraid of coffee, cinema, television, the telephone, and even rock and roll music. These things made parents worry at first, but later became normal.
Today, the Internet is a big part of life. It gives us good information, but also misinformation and disinformation. So, why are some governments starting to act now? Let’s look at what Australia and France are doing.
Australia
At first, the Australian government gave advice to families on how long children should use screens. But in November 2024, it passed a law called the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024. This law bans children under 16 from making accounts on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X (Twitter), and YouTube. It will start on December 10, 2025. Platforms that do not follow the rules may have to pay a fine of AUD50 million. But there are exemptions for services that focus on messaging, games, education, or health.
Some people support the law. Forbes magazine, in November 2024, wrote:
“This Bill puts the onus on social media companies — not young people, not their parents…making it clear that social media companies have a social responsibility.”
But not everyone agrees. The Guardian in the UK said:
“To introduce a blanket ban on under-16s would penalise children for the failures of tech companies.”
France
In January 2024, President Emmanuel Macron created a 10-member commission to study children and screen use. It was led by neurologist Servane Mouton and psychiatrist Amine Benyamina. The group included experts in psychology, health, law, and the Internet.
Over three months, they interviewed about 150 young people, held 100 expert meetings, and studied many reports on health, education, and digital tools.
Le Monde, a top French newspaper, said:
“The report…submitted April 30, 2024…includes 29 recommendations, notably proposing prohibition of screens for children under 3, limitation of smartphone and internet access for children under 13, and banning screens in crèches and kindergartens.”
Even before the commission, some schools and communities were already trying something called the 10 Days Without Screens Challenge. One student said: “Now I read more and go outside more.”
Servane Mouton, the commission leader, said:
“Let’s put digital tools back in their proper place: until at least the age of six, a child does not need a screen to develop…A child needs interaction, to be outdoors, to play with peers…We must not allow screens to crush these essential needs.”
What About You?
Many countries are worried about screen time. Do you think your own screen use is a source of fun, or something to worry about?
Written by Everett Ofori