title: [Effects on children's cognitive development of chronic exposure to screens].
abstract: During the last few years, the time spent in front of various screens, including TV sets, video games, smartphones and computers, has dramatically increased. Numerous studies show, with a remarkable consistency, that this trend has a strong negative influence on the cognitive development of children and teenagers. The affected fields include, in particular, scholastic achievement, language, attention, sleep and aggression. We believe that this often disregarded - not to say denied - problem should now be considered a major public health issue. Primary care physicians should inform parents and children about this issue to support efficient prevention.
authors.affiliation: Unité d'hospitalisation d'enfants 6-13ans, pôle de pédopsychiatrie, centre hospitalier Le Vinatier, 95, boulevard Pinel, 69500 Bron, France. bruno.harle@ch-le-vinatier.fr
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Harlé
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Desmurget
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003071:Cognition; D016288:Computer Terminals; D006801:Humans; D013690:Television; D018910:Video Games / Q000009:adverse effects*