Screen Time Threatens Children's Play and Development in Andorra

### Screen Time Challenges Children's Play in Andorra

Excessive screen use among young children risks hindering their development, as digital temptations increasingly dominate playtime. Experts warn that while screens do not simply interfere with play, they often replace traditional toy-based activities and peer interactions essential for growth.

Clinical psychologist Annabel Betriu emphasises that play is central to children's development. It fosters not only engagement with toys but also social bonds with peers and parents. "The issue arises when screens substitute hands-on play and sharing experiences," she said.

Andorran parents acknowledge the shift toward tech-driven play and strive to prioritise analogue toys. One father from Andorra la Vella, who has four children attending the French school there, avoids televisions and tablets at home. His two-year-old occasionally watches age-appropriate YouTube videos, but the family fills play areas with LEGO, Playmobil, and toy trains, which the children use most of the time.

Betriu highlights the broader impacts of early screen overuse: it affects physical, social, and emotional growth, impairs self-control, reduces frustration tolerance, and delays milestones. During childhood's peak brain plasticity, such habits can prevent acquisition of vital life skills.

Parents face significant hurdles in promoting active, creative play that encourages thinking and boredom-driven imagination. This demands constant presence and effort. A mother of a three-year-old described the backlash when removing screens: children become upset even after short sessions. Another parent limits tablet time to 30 minutes in the evening while preparing dinner. A Portuguese grandmother noted strict controls, including parental settings and time limits for her 12-year-old grandson.

Many admit ceding to persistent demands for devices, often seeking brief respite. Screens deliver instant gratification that traditional toys lack, leading children to lose interest in them once hooked, Betriu explained. She advises delaying screen introduction until age two and prioritising communication, especially about school experiences, to build strong foundations. Finding balance remains key, with strict time limits to avoid dependency.