No sedentary screen time for babies, WHO SAYS?

Babies and toddlers should not be left to passively watch TV or other screens, according to new World Health Organization guidelines.

Sedentary screen time, including computer games, should not happen before a child is two, the WHO says.

The limit for two- to four-year-olds is an hour a day and less is better.

The new WHO advice focuses on passive viewing – youngsters being placed in front of a TV or computer screen or handed a tablet or mobile phone for entertainment – and is aimed at tackling child inactivity, a leading risk factor for global mortality and obesity-related ill health.

It is the first time the WHO has made recommendations on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under five.

As well as warning against passive screen time, it says babies should not spend longer than an hour at a time strapped into a buggy, car seat or sling.

The advice

For babies:

Be physically active several times a day, including at least 30 minutes’ “tummy time” – lying on their front

No sedentary screen time

14-17 hours’ sleep a day, including naps, for newborns – reducing to 12-16 by four to 11 months

Should not be restrained (ie strapped into a recliner, seat or sling) for more than an hour at a time

For one- and two-year-olds:

At least three hours’ physical activity a day

No sedentary screen time for one-year-olds and less than an hour for two-year-olds

11-14 hours’ sleep a day, including naps

Should not be restrained for more than an hour at a time or sit for extended periods of time

For three- and four-year-olds:

At least three hours’ physical activity a day, including at least one of moderate or vigorous intensity

Up to an hour of sedentary screen time – less is better

10-13 hours’ sleep a day, which may include a nap

Should not be restrained for more than an hour at a time or sit for extended periods of time.

The WHO advice is based on available evidence, but there is still a lack of definitive research into the harms and possible benefits of screen use.

Sedentary time should be made into quality time. Reading a book with your child, for example, can help them develop their language skills.

A child who is given a tablet to keep them quiet while they are sitting in a pushchair is not getting the same [quality sedentary time].

Children need to be given opportunities throughout the day to actively play and we should be reducing sedentary, passive screen time.

According to the WHO, parents can ask themselves:

Is screen time controlled?

Does screen use interfere with what your family want to do?

Does screen use interfere with sleep?

Are you able to control snacking during screen time?

If a family is satisfied with their answers to these questions, then they are likely to be handling screen time well.

 

Lara Khouli.