Evidence compiled by academics at Oxford and Cambridge Universities and University College, London believe too much screen time is detrimental to children’s development. It damages toddlers’ ability to speak.
Children in the study were tested on their knowledge of 34 words. 4 fewer words were known by those who watched around 5 hours per day compared with those who spent 44 minutes on screens.
The World Health Organisation recommends children between 2 and 4 should spend no more than one hour a day viewing a screen. The average 2 year old now spends 127 minutes a day on screens and this increases to 140 minutes when accounting for computer games which are played by 1 in 5 toddlers.
Screen time reduces the time available for real life conversations which are needed to learn language.
Screen time has blamed for behaviour problems with 39% of children on 5 hours of screen time a day showing possible emotional and behavioural issues.
Screen time was higher in children of black or Asian parents or guardians.
Children in poorer families were likely to have more screen time ( poorest fifth had nearly double the screen time at 170 minutes compared with 97 minutes)
At the age of 2, 77% of children in highest income families are read to daily compared to 32% in lowest income families.
Parents need tips, support and guidance on how to limit screen time and how to use screens safely. The importance of face to face talking where toddlers can look at facial expressions, play and singing needs emphasising.
Dave Vizard's Behaviour Solutions 