WHY did Steve Jobs (Apple) and Bill Gates (Microsoft) enforce strict time limits on their own children’s use of electronic devices?

It’s because the tech gurus knew — perhaps instinctively — that unrestricted usage is bad for young brains.

Canadian researchers have found that more than two hours a day of screen time damages brain development in children. The youngsters who spent the most time on social media, playing computer games, using devices or watching TV, had around 5 per cent lower cognitive function than other eight to 11-yearolds. That’s terrifying.

Scientists speculate that screen time does not stimulate the brain beneficially in the way that reading does.

Many Silicon Va l l ey employees are now choosing to bring their kids up in techfree environments. British parents need to catch up.