Leading psychologist Dr Aric Sigman has called for a total TV ban for under threes – and advises serious TV rationing for all children in a bid to curb behavioural and health problems.  

Speaking at a Children and the Media conference, Dr Sigman said he believes children under three should not watch any TV, 3 to 7 year olds between 30 and 60 minutes a day, 7 to 12 an hour a day, and 12 to 15 year olds 90 minutes a day.

Studies have shown excessive TV watching is linked to difficulty in sleeping, behavioural problems and increased obesity in children and Dr Sigman says this is linked to the amount of time watching, rather than the quality of the program.