Since the start of the health crisis, screen consumption has increased sharply among children. According to an Ipsos study, published on February 7, 2022, 43% of children aged 0 to 2 use the Internet. Decryption.
The health crisis linked to the coronavirus has turned everything upside down, including the family digital practices. A new study* from Ipsos, carried out for the National Union of Family Associations (Unaf) and the Observatory of Parenthood and Digital Education (Open), and made public on Monday February 7, revealed that children, especially toddlers, are spending more and more time on screens. It seems crazy and yet 43% of 0-2 year olds use the Internet, according to parents, to watch short videos (26%), TV series (24%) or movies (22%). When they are old enough to catch an object, or when they are awake, some parents put their toddler in front of a screen. It’s a reality.
And this frightening observation progresses according to age : 57% between 3 and 6 years and 85% between 7 and 10 years. In their practices, all digital tools are used (otherwise it wouldn’t be funny), especially the Tablet and the smart phone, the great leader. On the other hand, older children shun game consoles a little, their consumption has slightly decreased by 6% since 2019. Anyway, there is no doubt, children are hyperconnected.
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One of the other findings of this study relates to the fact that parents underestimate their child’s use of the Internet. For them, the digital offer is above all a good way to easily occupy their offspring, to entertain them, but also to “strengthen family ties or create bonds with other children”.
They don’t measure the risks and dangers they incur, particularly in terms of addiction, cyber-harassment and contact with strangers. However, they are present. Asked by France InfoOlivier Gérard, one of the coordinators of Unaf, believes that the parents need to be more interested in, understand and know their child’s practices in line. To do this, he advises “set rules and limits but also discuss with them”. And even if they are small, they can understand.