64 pct of Sri Lankan preschool children exceed recommended screen time: official
Summary
About 64 percent of preschool children in Sri Lanka spend more than 30 minutes a day on mobile phones, tablets or computers, according to Health Ministry Secretary Anil Jasinghe. The ministry has launched a health promotion program and guidelines for preschool children after a survey raised concerns about screen use, meal habits and caregiving.
Key Points
- About 64 percent of Sri Lankan preschool children exceed the World Health Organization’s recommended daily screen time of 30 minutes.
- The health ministry survey found that around 43 percent of children eat meals while watching a screen.
- Around 56 percent of parents or preschool caregivers said they become angry with children, and fathers were less involved in childcare.
- The Health Ministry has introduced a health promotion program and guidelines for preschool children in response to the findings.
