France launches nationwide 'Ten Days Without Screens' initiative to curb digital dependency
Digital parenting coach Elizabeth Milovidov advises replacing screen time with traditional activities to improve children’s health and development, though the feasibility of the campaign remains untested.
Across France, a coordinated effort is underway to reduce children’s engagement with digital devices, as schools, nurseries and local communities encourage participation in the 'Dix Jours Sans Écrans' (Ten Days Without Screens) movement. The initiative asks families to disconnect from tablets and consoles for a period of ten days, aiming to help children unplug and refocus on non-digital interactions.
The campaign addresses growing concerns regarding the impact of excessive screen use on young people. According to the framework presented by France 24 International, high levels of digital engagement leave children more sedentary and may hinder their social and emotional development. The movement seeks to counter these trends by promoting a temporary but complete break from personal screens.
Digital parenting coach Elizabeth Milovidov, based in the UK, has provided guidance to parents and caregivers on how to navigate the ten-day period. She advises that the most effective replacements for screen time are simple, traditional activities, specifically recommending board games, arts and crafts, and cooking.
Milovidov also emphasises the importance of allowing children to experience boredom, suggesting that this is a necessary component of healthy development. She argues that reducing screen use can positively influence sleep patterns, concentration, physical health and social development, although these claims are presented as expert opinion rather than established scientific fact.
While the initiative is being promoted across various sectors of French society, the source material notes uncertainty regarding its practical application. The question of whether the ten-day disconnect is realistic for all demographics remains unanswered, with no data or expert commentary provided on the actual success rates or feasibility of the campaign across different households.
The coverage, originally broadcast by France 24 International, frames the initiative as a response to modern family life challenges. However, the limited scope of the source material means that specific details on government involvement, funding, or long-term policy implications are not available.
