Three quarters of parents blame screen time for limiting children's creativity

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 6 Nov, 10:42 · Archive

A poll of 2,000 parents found 75 per cent say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen time, homework and packed schedules.

A poll of 2,000 parents found three quarters say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen time, homework and packed schedules. The survey identified multiple factors limiting children's creativity: spending too much time on digital devices (49 per cent), homework (47 per cent), busy morning and evening routines (29 per cent), and not having enough free time after school (20 per cent).

Parents themselves acknowledged contributing to the problem. Sixty-two per cent admitted their own work commitments often get in the way of helping their child with creative activities. Half of parents attributed this to their own tiredness, and 40 per cent pointed to household chores, with cooking the evening meal cited by 39 per cent.

Parenting expert Sue Atkins said creativity need not involve 'expensive toys, elaborate activities or hours spent making things'. She noted that 'some of the loveliest opportunities for children to use their imaginations happen in everyday moments – helping prepare dinner, inventing stories or simply chatting around the table'. She added that when children are invited to participate without worrying about getting things right, they build 'confidence, curiosity and connection'.

The study found 84 per cent of parents believe children are under more pressure than ever. A significant proportion, 56 per cent, admitted their child avoided creating things for fear of 'getting it wrong'. The research was commissioned by Ben's Original, which partnered with BBC Children in Need and pledged £200,000 to support children and young people facing challenges across the UK.

How it is being reported

• Parents say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen timeThree quarters of parents say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen time, homework and packed schedules.This Is Local London · 6 Nov, 10:09
• Parents say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen timeThree quarters of parents say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen time, homework and packed schedules.News Shopper · 6 Nov, 10:09
• Parents say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen timeThree quarters of parents say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen time, homework and packed schedules.Croydon Guardian · 6 Nov, 10:09
• Parents say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen timeThree quarters of parents say their children's imaginations are being held back by screen time, homework and packed schedules.Wandsworth Guardian · 6 Nov, 10:09

In this story: Sue Atkins · Ben's Original · BBC Children in Need · UK

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