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The internet has transformed our lifestyles. Whether active participants or simply passive observers of this digital world, everyone has likely experienced something significant: injustice, hacking, or identity theft. It's a virtual world with many faces, a place where the promise of connection is intertwined with danger.

Servane Mouton paints a new picture of the scientific reality of the problem. She methodically lists the worsening of the harmful effects of overexposure to screens, both on the physical and mental health of children (visual disorders, sedentary lifestyle, lack of sleep, obstacles to neurological and socio-emotional development), and on that of our environment and our economic model.

Last October, a study by the Observatory of Parenthood and Digital Education (Open) confirmed that pre-teens generally receive their first mobile phone around the age of 11. But according to new research, recently published in July 2025 in the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities , this is still far too early, and it has an impact on their mental health.

"What if we looked up?" is a unique experiment conducted by a teacher-filmmaker and his Year 6 class. For 1 year, Gilles Vernet will discuss with his students, their parents and specialists the place of screens in our society, before taking them for 10 days of disconnection in the great outdoors.

This 52-minute documentary immerses the viewer in a world where meaning is explored. It addresses the dangers of children's overexposure to screens and doesn't shy away from the responsibility of everyone involved, including parents.

Children today are growing up in a rapidly changing world where digital media plays a significant role in their daily lives. Digital services can be used to learn, be entertained, stay informed, make new discoveries, and communicate with peers and members of the community. However, they are not without their dangers, such as problematic or excessive use of digital media, exposure to inappropriate content, risky behaviors, and threats to online safety.

In Europe and the United States, mothers are accusing the heads of social media platforms (META, Discord, TikTok, etc.) of failing to protect children from online violence. They hope to change the laws.

Health experts are warning of the serious effects of screen time before the age of six: language delays, attention disorders, restlessness, and more. They are calling for collective awareness and urgent action. Even so-called "educational" content is deemed unsuitable for the developing brain. The health record now recommends no screen time before age three and very limited use until age six .

The French government has launched jeprotegemonenfant.gouv.fr , an information and prevention website to help parents guide their children's screen time. This portal centralizes practical advice, age guidelines, explanatory videos, and resources adapted to each stage of a child's development.

The term "smombie," a portmanteau of smartphone and zombie, refers to pedestrians so engrossed in their screens that they become a danger to themselves and others. This phenomenon is particularly visible in large cities. In Seoul, for example, 61% of traffic accidents involve pedestrians who were not watching the traffic, focused on their phones.