Texts tell poor to play with their children

LOW-EARNING parents should be sent text messages to remind them to play with their children, an Oxford University study suggests.

Sending parents ideas of games to play with toddlers, as well as reminder messages, led to a positive impact on their children’s development. Researchers found the trial helped to improve the concentration levels of children, as well as their determination and ability to make their own decisions, which are capabilities crucial for their ability to learn and succeed at school.

The programme, called Easypeasy and for children aged between two and five, was tested by 302 families from east London, all of whom came from disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Parents taking part in the trial saw improvements in “cognitive self-regulation”. This means children were better at persisting with difficult tasks, and working things out for themselves.