The World Health Organisation (WHO) is encouraging less screen time for young children, saying to grow up healthy, children need to sit less and play more.
In new guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep, the WHO recommends children under five spend less time sitting watching screens or restrained in prams and seats, get better quality sleep and have more time for active play.
“Early childhood is a period of rapid development and a time when family lifestyle patterns can be adapted to boost health gains.” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus. WHO childhood obesity expert Dr Juana Willumsen added, “What we really need to do is bring back play for children. This is about making the shift from sedentary time to playtime, while protecting sleep.”
The pattern of overall 24-hour activity was key, the WHO said, adding quality sedentary time spent in interactive non-screen-based activities with a caregiver, such as reading, storytelling, singing and puzzles, was very important for child development.
Among its recommendations are that:
