New Report Finds Some Babies Spend Up To Eight Hours a Day on Screens
Source: Slashdot
Screen Time Among Babies
More than two‑thirds of babies under two use screens, and some are exposed for up to eight hours a day — according to a report from The Times. Nearly a third of newborns were found to be watching screens for more than three hours a day, while almost 20 percent of infants aged four to 11 months used screens for more than an hour a day. The report follows government guidance that children under two should not use screens at all, except for communal activities such as video‑calling relatives.
Impacts of Screen Time
In a review of the current research, investigators found evidence linking screen time to poorer outcomes for children, including:
- An increased risk of obesity
- Short‑sightedness
- Sleep and behavioural difficulties
- Later challenges with friendships
Reasons for Use
- Children: educational purposes, entertainment, play, and to communicate and bond with others.
- Parents: to occupy or distract children, which helps caregivers complete domestic duties, paid employment, and other caring responsibilities.
Parental Awareness
Nearly a quarter of parents — 23.6 percent — either had no childcare or were not aware of the government’s early‑years offer.