‘One of the saddest sights is a child in a pram with iPad’ Kirstie Allsopp slams, as she sparks ‘lazy parenting’ debate
KIRSTIE Allsopp has sparked a “lazy parenting” debate after criticising parents who give their kids iPads in prams.
The TV host, 52, said it is one of the “saddest sights” when she witnesses it out in public.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Location, Location, Location star revealed her views on using phones or tablets for kids.
Kirstie, who is mum to sons Bay, 17, and Oscar, 15, said: “One of the saddest sights is a child sitting in a pram with pastel coloured ipad in a case which attaches to the pram, so your know it’s theirs & they are often on it.
“Yesterday a little girl walked past me on our road, no more than 7, she was glued to what was clearly her phone. [sic]”
She added in the comments: “The data tells us devices are damaging.
“Tiny kids in prams do not need ‘screen time’, kids walking down the street do not need screen time either.”
Kirstie’s post has racked up 2,600 likes, but has split opinion among fans.
One person hit back at her views, and said: “You do you! Bloody hell why are you judging people?
“Child could have additional needs. Child may not like pram and only way parent can get anywhere… just stop!”
Another agreed saying: “I normally agree but on this occasion I can’t.
“My daughter who’s 2, has a cheap old tablet, but we use this when we go shopping or food shopping for desperate measures.
“I have severe anxiety so this helps me when I need it and I’m on my own with her. It’s not always bad.”
A third said: “You’ve no clue about that particular child’s daily routine, yet you’ve jumped to a narrative based on a couple of seconds observation of said random child.”
Kirstie, who has been married to real estate entrepreneur Ben Anderson since 2004, replied saying: “No, the child could just look around them and talk to the adult ealing beside them. [sic]”
However, one woman agreed with Kirstie’s stance on tablets.
Tiny kids in prams do not need ‘screen time’, kids walking down the street do not need screen time either
Kirstie Allsopp
She said: “I’m a nanny to three boys, 10, 6 and 3. When we are together, there are no screens of any type. We play games, read and engage in imaginary or outside activities.
“Tired parents come home and the children’s personalities totally change and the demand for screens begins.”
Kirstie replied saying: “We chose to have kids they are not forced upon us. We have a responsibility to bring them up properly.”
According to research, kids who sat in front of the TV were more likely to have worse speech and struggle to move around at ages two and three.
They tracked 57,980 children to see how screen time affected their ability to walk, talk and solve problems, as well as their social skills.
Dr Midori Yamamoto, of Chiba University, said: “Increased TV screen time from age one negatively affected later development.
“To reduce the negative consequences of excessive media use, health care professionals should recommend social support for parents who tend to rely on the media.”
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence suggests children should have TV-free days and have a two-hour limit on the time spent in front of screens.
A limited amount of child-friendly screen time can be educational, but it’s important to ensure the content is appropriate for your child’s age, it adds.
Previous studies have shown spending four hours or more a day can increase the risk of developmental delays.
How long should kids be on screens?
Dr Amanda, who's a parenting expert and child psychologist gave a general guide for parents who wish to limit screen time.
Age 1-3 years old
How long: 5 minutes per year of life in one sitting
Dr Gummer says: “If you are really hoping your child will learn from the screen time they have then one rule of thumb is that on average children can concentrate for 5 minutes per year of their life (i.e. 15 minutes at age 3).”
Age 1+
How long: 1 hour per day
Dr Gummer says: “For younger children we feel that around 1 hour per day is a sensible limit to aim for on a regular weekday.
“Once you add together time on mobile devices, TV, computers and other devices with screens this may not seem like much (and remember children may get screen time at school).”
Age 2+
How long: 2 hour per day
Dr Gummer says: “Various sources including the American Academy of Paediatrics recommend no more than 2 hours per day (for children aged 2 and over).”
Children of all ages
Over two hours a day is excessive usage
Dr Gummer says: “A recent study saw some detrimental effects in teenagers that used more than 3 hours per day of screen time and consider this ‘excessive usage’