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For the first time ever, the World Health Organisation has issued screen time guidelines for young kids.
The health agency has advised that kids under five should not spend more than one hour a day watching screens.
Instead, the focus should be on physical activity.
“They’re targeting very young children who are using technology now,” said Dr Joanne Orlando.
“Kids between three and four should only have one hour of screen time a day, so that’s seven hours per week.
“And kids younger than two should have absolutely no screen time. So no TV, no mum’s mobile, no tablet, nothing at all.”
The action comes amid growing research into the developmental effects of widespread use of computers and mobile devices by children.
“Last year, WHO classified video game disorder as a mental health condition,” Orlando said.
“That was their first step into technology.
“I think there’s a lot of pressure on them. People are really worried about kids on technology, and they don’t know what to do.
“This is a leading health authority, and people are looking to them for some kind of answer.”
The Australian Bureau of Statistics found earlier this year that 90.3 per cent of kids between five and 14 spent time on screen-based activities when not at school, and over 56 per cent of those were glued to screens for 10 hours or more a week.
One concern is that the mesmerising effects of videos keep young children from connecting with their parents and other people – a key in building their social skills.
“Imagine you had a 12-month-old, put them in a high chair, put a screen in front of them, and they were there for five or six hours, all day every day,” Orlando said.
“They would miss out on opportunities to develop their language, and opportunities to develop physically – so their muscles and gross motor skills.
“They also wouldn’t be developing their social skills because they aren’t connecting to people.
“So long term, that extreme behaviour really affects all aspects of a child’s development.
“We can’t stop kids using technology forever. There’s going to be a point where they’re going to use it.
“It’s important that they’re doing good quality activities, like educational games or things that stimulate their creativity or problem solving.”
