‘iPads stop a child’s muscles growing’

Spending too much time on ipads and touchscreen devices could stop children’s muscles and bones developing properly, according to a study.

Researchers tracked ten children over the first five years of their lives to see how the use of devices affected their physical, mental and social development.

The results showed that over a 15-minute period, children playing with typical toys moved their upper limbs three times as much as when using an ipad and six times that of when watching TV. They also moved their whole bodies twice as much compared to when using an ipad.

professor Leon Straker, of Australia’s Curtin University, said: ‘We are concerned that the very enticing touch screen devices will lead to children’s muscles and bones not developing well.’