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Children under one should not be exposed to any electronic screens, according to new guidelines issued by the World Health Organisation.

WHO has also recommended the limit for two-to four-year-olds is an hour a day or less.

That includes, watching TV, using smartphones or tablets, and playing video games.

WHO expert Dr Juana Willumsen said the guidelines are “really about ensuring that children have that opportunity for active play” as “it’s the way that children learn”.

The researchers also recommended that children under 5 not be restrained in strollers or high chairs or strapped to a caregiver’s back for more than one hour at a time. And children between the ages of 1 and 5 should get three hours of physical activity per day, and get at least 10 hours of sleep per night.

“Physical activity has the greatest impact, and the recommendation for 180 minutes of physical activity for children over 1 of year of age is really a return to active play. We’re not recommending structured exercise,” Dr Willumsen said.

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  • What understanding of these gadgets would an under one year old even have? I struggle to use these techno gadgets, I cannot imagine what benefits an under one would get from them. Most likely just break them

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  • 100 percent agree but so easy to do! Pre kids I had all these opinions but when you have a screaming child in the car and you are driving yo pick up the older ones then you do what you have to do. But when we are at home – no tv and devices during the week and it makes the world of difference and stress is down as kids are not distracted by a screen, play and interact when you can- they are only small for such a short time. But the reality is we have to do what we need to – no judgements.

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  • Even when he’s sick my little one never wanted screens. If we can we’re always outside and I find it more peaceful.

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  • Yeah tech can be dangerous and it seems to be a bit of a toddler pacifier or nanny these days

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  • Some great ideas, unfortunately my 8 year old won’t be able to get them. Mother’s day stall at school is good enough for me

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  • It’s the age we live in. Isn’t it?
    So hard not to let them watch a song or show on your tablet or iPad!
    I bought a baby motion rocker that even had a slot where you can plug in your phone for this very reason! Has anyone seen it?!
    The brand is ingenuity (if I remember right) bought last year.

    I agree though. Let kids be kids & enjoy exercise, movement & the outdoors!

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  • Probably a good idea for children and young people of all ages to reduce screen time and spend more time exploring the environment, reading books and being active.

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  • How can a less than 1 year old be on a device?? seriously they can’t do anything for themselves

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  • A baby or an older child holds their head down in one position for too long. It is often later that the child starts to have problems with their necks, sometimes shoulders and / or upper back as well.
    This has been published in various medical reports in articles written by Medical Professionals after a lot of research to determine one of the main causes. There has been reports on TV, Print media and Digital Media.

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  • I agree with no devices and with active play – it is so good and essential for development.

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  • We kept our kids right away from devices till they were 2. Certainly didn’t harm them.

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  • I don’t see that any kids under 1 would want to use technology such as an ipad anyway?

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  • There really isn’t any need to be put in young children in front of TV often. Normally wouldn’t even interest them


    • I agree – it is just not needed or necessary at this age.

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  • Yes, so important for kids to be kids!! My son does watch more than an hour of tv a day sometimes (he is 3.5) hit we try to not give him too much. It can be hard as we had a baby recently!! So easy to chuck em in front of the tv for some peace and quiet!! Although our 2 year old doesn’t like watching it yet lol so not much quiet anyway.

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