The 2026 ‘Children and Screens’ campaign: Arcom’s advice on protecting the youngest youngsters

Arcom’s campaign covers all screens (television, tablets, computers, smartphones, etc.).

All TV channels are required to take part in and broadcast this campaign, and radio stations are encouraged to join in.

Through TV adverts and printed materials, Arcom emphasises the importance of protecting children from the risks associated with early or excessive screen time.

Very young children develop by engaging with the world around them; interactions with those around them, particularly their parents, and discoveries made through their five senses are essential to their healthy development (language, motor skills, etc.). Screens, which risk confining them to the passive role of spectators at a time when they need to learn to take an active part in the world around them, are therefore not recommended before the age of 3.

For older children, screen use should be supervised by parents to ensure that the elements essential to the child’s development and well-being are maintained (good-quality sleep, real-life interactions with others, regular physical activity, etc.).

Some best practices to follow:

• limit screen time by deciding in advance what the child will be doing (watching a broadcast, playing an educational game, etc.);
• avoid screens before bedtime and in the bedroom;
• set aside screen-free times, particularly during meals.

To carry out its remit of protecting persons under 18, Arcom draws on a committee of experts comprising leading figures with diverse and complementary areas of expertise, who are directly involved with the world of children and young people.

The committee meets as part of the working group responsible for the protection of persons under 18,‘Protection of Audiences and Diversity in French Society’, chaired by Laurence Pécaut-Rivolier, a member of the Arcom Board.

Since its renewal in January 2026, it has comprised eighteen specialists in childhood, adolescence, the audiovisuel sector and the digital sector.