Put a pause on screen time for young kids

Findings from a local study suggest toddlers who use screens more than three hours a day could grow up to display sedentary behaviour later in life

The results of a recent local study, gleaned from more than 500 pre-school children in Singapore, provide scientific evidence that screen viewing displaces time that is otherwise spent on more positive activities, such as physical play.
The results of a recent local study, gleaned from more than 500 pre-school children in Singapore, provide scientific evidence that screen viewing displaces time that is otherwise spent on more positive activities, such as physical play. PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO
Senior Health Correspondent
Updated
Published
March 23, 2020 at 5:00 AM
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With the coronavirus outbreak showing no signs of abating, parents may be keeping their children indoors more. But they should take care that this not result in a spike in screen time.

As screen use rises among children, more evidence continues to surface that this does more harm than most parents realise.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 23, 2020, with the headline Put a pause on screen time for young kids. Subscribe

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