Kids Switched on to Screens Despite Dangers

Written on the 18 March 2021 by Jackie Sinnerton & Brigid O'Connell

EXCESSIVE screen time is the No.1 health concern of Australian parents.

The Royal Children's Hospital National Child Health Poll ranked the top 10 health concerns of almost 2000 parents, with cyber bullying and bullying and internet safety rounding out the top three worries for parents.

It comes as new research shows children under five who spend too much time in front of screens are at higher risk of hyperactivity, poor concentration and relationship problems.

Preschoolers' use of phones and tablets tripled between 2013 and 2017 and more recent studies have found four-year-olds play games, use apps and watch videos every day.

The international research, published in the British Medical Journal, highlights the growing dangers of too much screen time. Scientists found at 18 months children spent an average of 32 minutes playing on devices even though the WHO recommends children under two avoid all screens.

Queensland early childhood educator Lucy Cook said she believed quality screen time should be part of a healthy lifestyle if guidelines were adhered to with children two to four allowed one hour per day.

Best friends Kensie Havebond, 4, and Evelyn Hill, 3, limit their time with iPads and spend time together in person instead.

DAILY SCREENTIME GUIDELINES

• Under two... ZERO HOURS 
• Two to five... ONE HOUR
• Five to 17... TWO HOURS