Les jeunes et la culture de l'écran. Enquête nationale auprès des 6-17 ans

Abstract

This article presents the results, for France, of a European survey on children's and adolescents' communication practices, and particularly their use of screens (television, computers, videogames, etc.). A set of social processes related to use of the media can thus be examined. In particular, the article analyses social inequalities among users of screens and gender disparities in the media sphere. The author questions the role of the media in young people's social interaction. New types of screens seem to suggest new dynamics of sociability and sharing, both within the family and among peers. Moreover, media consumption patterns seem to be linked to perceptions of the cultural environment. Finally, the survey reveals the versatility of media usage and the synergy which is created between digital screens and printed texts.