Some babies have more than 3 hours of screen time per day, experts say

"Nearly three-quarters of nine-month-old babies watch programmes on a TV, smartphone or tablet on a daily basis. The average screen time reported in the study was 41 minutes, rising to 47 minutes for those in single-parent households. But some are exceeding three hours of screen time a day, the experts warned."

"These children are significantly less likely to regularly experience things like going on trips outside, being read to or singing. While 80 per cent of babies with no screen time go on trips outside every day, this falls to 60 per cent for babies with over three hours of daily screen time."

"Instead of simply focusing on demonising any use, and cutting minutes, policy-making and guidance should help families use digital tools to enhance development, bonding, and enjoyment of babyhood."

A study by the Education Policy Institute analyzing data from over 8,000 families found that 73% of nine-month-old infants watch screens daily, averaging 41 minutes, with single-parent households reporting 47 minutes. Some infants exceed three hours daily. Babies with high screen time are significantly less likely to go on trips outside, be read to, or sing regularly. While 80% of babies with no screen time take daily outdoor trips, this drops to 60% for those with over three hours of daily screen time. Book-sharing likelihood decreases when screen time exceeds two hours. Researchers emphasize the need for balanced guidance helping families use digital tools constructively rather than simply restricting usage.

Read at Mail Online