This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/sep/16/survey-records-rise-in-under-fives-watching-tv-and-using-tablets

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Survey records rise in under-fives watching TV and using tablets Survey records rise in under-fives watching TV and using tablets
(35 minutes later)
Under-fives are watching more TV than ever as the number of pre-school children using tablets and computers surges.Under-fives are watching more TV than ever as the number of pre-school children using tablets and computers surges.
Time spent watching TV has increased from 2.4 to 2.6 hours per day over the past year, according to a report from specialist research firm Childwise.Time spent watching TV has increased from 2.4 to 2.6 hours per day over the past year, according to a report from specialist research firm Childwise.
The BBC’s Cbeebies remains the most popular choice by some margin, with almost three quarters of under-fives watching the channel compared to a third for the next most popular, Nick Jnr. Though much lower, the proportion of under-fives watching CBBC, which is aimed at older children, has increased from 16% to 24%.The BBC’s Cbeebies remains the most popular choice by some margin, with almost three quarters of under-fives watching the channel compared to a third for the next most popular, Nick Jnr. Though much lower, the proportion of under-fives watching CBBC, which is aimed at older children, has increased from 16% to 24%.
BBC director general Tony Hall has said that there are no proposals to move the BBC channels online only to save costs, despite the growing number of children accessing them digitally.BBC director general Tony Hall has said that there are no proposals to move the BBC channels online only to save costs, despite the growing number of children accessing them digitally.
Viewing is highest in the morning and early evening, with parents for the most part only restricting access at lunch and after bedtime. However, 7% of children under five are still watching watching in bed as well. Viewing is highest in the morning and early evening, with parents for the most part only restricting access at lunch and after bedtime. However, 7% of children under five are still watching in bed as well.
The rise in TV viewing coincides with under-fives being given more access to on-demand TV services on digital devices.The rise in TV viewing coincides with under-fives being given more access to on-demand TV services on digital devices.
The survey of more than 1,000 parents of young children found 73% of under-fives were using a tablet or computer, compared to just 23% in 2012. Tablets are especially popular, with more than three in five using one.The survey of more than 1,000 parents of young children found 73% of under-fives were using a tablet or computer, compared to just 23% in 2012. Tablets are especially popular, with more than three in five using one.
By the age of two, most children were using either a tablet or computer and by the time they reach six more than 40% are using a device every day.By the age of two, most children were using either a tablet or computer and by the time they reach six more than 40% are using a device every day.
“Parents consider tablets and the games and apps on them as a great way to keep small children entertained and provide a learning benefit,” said Childwise research manager Jenny Ehren.“Parents consider tablets and the games and apps on them as a great way to keep small children entertained and provide a learning benefit,” said Childwise research manager Jenny Ehren.
“The length of an average session is testament of parent’s approval, with toddlers typically entertained for around one and half hours at a time.”“The length of an average session is testament of parent’s approval, with toddlers typically entertained for around one and half hours at a time.”
Though the BBC dominates TV for young children, it is beaten to the top spot by YouTube when it comes to on-demand viewing. However, the BBC’s iPlayer and the children’s version, Cbeebies iPlayer, are the next most popular ways of watching online. Among services that have to be paid for, Netflix has overtaken Sky for the first time.Though the BBC dominates TV for young children, it is beaten to the top spot by YouTube when it comes to on-demand viewing. However, the BBC’s iPlayer and the children’s version, Cbeebies iPlayer, are the next most popular ways of watching online. Among services that have to be paid for, Netflix has overtaken Sky for the first time.
More than half of young children are also using apps, with the BBC’s CBeebies Playtime - which features games based on the TV channel’s shows - being the most popular among under-fives. Childwise said YouTube, Peppa Pig and apps from Disney were also popular. More than half of young children are also using apps, with the BBC’s CBeebies Playtime – which features games based on the TV channel’s shows – being the most popular among under-fives. Childwise said YouTube, Peppa Pig and apps from Disney were also popular.
Parenting is also becoming more digital, with almost three quarters of mothers using sites specifically targeting them such as Mumsnet. Around half of fathers also used parenting sites, though mainly ones aimed at either mothers or parents of either gender, rather than those aimed specifically at fathers.Parenting is also becoming more digital, with almost three quarters of mothers using sites specifically targeting them such as Mumsnet. Around half of fathers also used parenting sites, though mainly ones aimed at either mothers or parents of either gender, rather than those aimed specifically at fathers.