Social networks exposure of schoolchildren aged 5-11 in France: findings from the Enabee-2022 study

Abstract Aims Nowadays, screens play a significant role in children's daily lives. This study explores the prevalence of social networks exposure (SNE) among children aged 5-11 in France, and their associations with socio-economic factors. Methods Enabee 2022 is a national cross-sectional study on pre-school and elementary school children aged 3-11 in France. Parents (n = 12,818) reported their children's uses and screen time, including SNE. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted among children aged 5-8 and 9-11 years, examining SNE by sex, highest household education level, and perceived financial status using the chi-square test. All analyses accounted for the survey design and adjustments for non-response. Results and Conclusions SNE was observed in 5.7% of children aged 5-8 years (girls: 7.1%, boys: 4.3%; p < 0.001) and in 24.9% of those aged 9-11 years (girls: 30.0%, boys: 19.9%; p < 0.001). The prevalence of SNE varied by household education level: for 5-8 age group, SNE concerned 10.8% of children when household education level was less then high school diploma, 8.3% for high school diploma level, 4.7% for a bachelor's degree level, and 2.0% for a Master's degree level (p < 0.001). In the 9-11 age group, these prevalence were 38.5%, 31.5%, 22.9%, and 14.1% respectively (p < 0.001). Financial status also showed a significant social gradient: among 5-8 age group, prevalence of SNE was 4.5% in financially comfortable households, 6.7% among those “just getting by,” and 10.6% in struggling households; in the 9-11 age group, the rates were 22.5%, 28.6%, and 32.2% respectively (p < 0.001). Among exposed children, 2.2% of 5-8 year-olds already experienced cyberbullying and 4.7% of 9-11 year-olds. These results underline the early onset of SNE, and the importance of monitoring digital use from a very young age, particularly for the most disadvantaged sections of the population. Key messages • In 2022, a quarter of children aged 9-11 was exposed to social networks in France. • Exposure increased with age and was higher among girls and children from socially disadvantaged households.