Children and screens: Groupe de Pédiatrie Générale (Société française de pédiatrie) guidelines for pediatricians and families

The Groupe de Pédiatrie Générale (General Pediatrics Group), a member of the Société française de pédiatrie (French Pediatrics Society), has proposed guidelines for families and doctors regarding children's use of digital screens. A number of guidelines have already been published, in particular by the French Academy of Sciences in 2013 and the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2016. These new guidelines were preceded by an investigation into the location of digital screen use by young children in France, a survey of medical concerns on the misuse of digital devices, and a review of their documented benefits. The Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (Higher Council on Audiovisual Technology) and the Union Nationale de Associations Familiales (National Union of Family Associations) have taken part in the preparation of this document. Five simple messages are proposed: understanding without demonizing; screen use in common living areas, but not in bedrooms; preserve time with no digital devices (morning, meals, sleep, etc.); provide parental guidance for screen use; and prevent social isolation.