As part of Luxembourg’s Children’s Week, Dr. Dieter Braus warned of the negative effects of excessive screen time on young minds during a public lecture, urging clear limits, healthier usage habits, and unified adult guidance to support children’s well-being through non-formal education.

It’s Children’s Week in Luxembourg, and until Friday, the public has the chance to step into the world of non-formal education by visiting nurseries, maisons relais, and youth centres across the country. These open-door events include workshops, hands-on activities, and guided visits, all aimed at showcasing the crucial role non-formal education plays in children’s development.

This fourth edition of the initiative puts a special spotlight on the importance of learning outside the classroom, and one recurring question among parents and educators alike is: how can we reduce children’s screen time and foster more movement and real-world interaction?

This was the focus of a lecture given on Friday evening by Dr Dieter Braus, a specialist in neurology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy, at the Lënster Lycée. His talk was part of the week’s official programming.

During the event, Dr Braus explored the rising impact of digital media consumption on children, noting that it can lead to a host of issues including depression, anxiety, behavioural changes, and motor skill difficulties. He stressed that young children’s brains are not equipped to process digital media in a healthy way, and that such exposure only becomes less problematic from around 7 to 8 years of age.

He clarified that while digital media designed specifically for children can offer benefits, this is only the case when it’s paired with plenty of alternative, enriching experiences, such as outdoor play, creative expression, and social interaction.

He also emphasised the need for clear and consistent guidelines, suggesting that children aged 8 to 14 should not exceed two hours of screen time per day.

That limit, he explained, should account for all types of digital media, including television, gaming, mobile phones, and internet use. Staying within this window is generally considered safe, but exceeding it can negatively impact well-being and increase vulnerability to mental health conditions.

Dr Braus also drew attention to usage patterns, not just overall duration. He explained that three half-hour sessions are less disruptive to the brain than checking a device dozens of times in short bursts throughout the day. The latter creates a kind of cognitive overstimulation, heightening stress and fear of missing out, which can lead to different neurological effects than more focused usage.

He concluded by underlining the importance of coherence and collaboration among adults – parents, teachers, and childcare professionals all need to follow the same rules and model healthy behaviour themselves.

Children’s Week continues until Friday, with over 290 non-formal education organisations participating across the country. The full programme of activities is available at kannerwoch.lu.