Children under six shouldn’t be allowed to access 3D content, according to French health watchdog The Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (anses).

For 3D imagery to work, the brain must assimilate a three-dimensional effect, requiring the eyes to look at images in two different places at the same time before the brain translates it as one image.

"In children, and particularly before the age of six, the health effects of this vergence-accommodation conflict could be much more severe given the active development of the visual system at this time," said anses in a statement.

Anses also added that access for children up to the age of 13 should be “moderate.”

The effect of 3D content on young children has previously been noted as Italy sought to restrict the use of 3D glasses by young children following a similar health warning from an Italian body, while Nintendo’s 3DS console comes with a health warning that playing games could damage the eyesight of children under the age of six.

3D is used in multiple visitor attractions, with recent examples including Thorpe Park’s new Angry Birds Land, South Carolina State Museum’s new 4D theatre and Universal Studio’s Despicable Me 3D ride.

AM2 has contacted a number of 3D film suppliers to get their take on the report but is still waiting to hear back. What do you think? Do kids need protecting or is it an over-reaction? Email [email protected] with your opinion.