Children would rather play than watch TV

While children’s TV churns out some utter rubbish around the clock, research from LEGO actually finds that 80 per cent would rather play with their toys instead of watch it.

One in ten parents admit to using TV to entertain their child in the evenings instead of playing with them.

But it’s imaginative and creative play that children really want.

Parenting expert, Sue Atkins, says: “Imaginative play is crucial to a child’s development, it builds social skills and self esteem and helps in language development.   Common perception is that the kids of today spend too much time in front of the TV.  It is recommended that they do not watch for more than one hour a day and this research shows that on average kids under 16 are watching around 78 minutes.  It’s so encouraging to know that creative play beats watching TV, long may it continue!”