My kids spend 10 hours a day on their iPads – it’s a free babysitter

A mum lets her children spend up to 10 hours a day on screens and says parents shouldn’t feel guilty about it.

Jay Whitfield, 37, has always been “relaxed” with her children sitting in front of the TV and playing on their iPads.

The mother of two doesn’t limit how long her 7-year-old son or 14-year-old daughter are in front of screens, but makes sure they turn off half an hour before bedtime.

Jay and her husband Simon Whitfield, 38, a trader, ensure the family go on plenty of days out, but there will also be “quiet” days at home where they don’t restrict their children’s screen time.

Jay, a social media creator, from Exeter, Devon, said: “People have the perception that using screens is a babysitter.

“If you can’t afford childcare, I can’t see the harm in putting the TV on so you can get things done.

“I’ve always been pretty cool about it.

“I like to make my own choices with my children.

“It’s once or twice a week when we don’t have anything.

“I don’t see how this will affect them.

“Everything is digital – we’re all on screens.”

Jay introduced her son to a tablet at age 3 and said her daughter loved watching movies growing up.

She said: “My eldest used to love watching movies. She was obsessed with ‘Toy Story’.

“We introduced screens to our son at the age of 3.

“We were at home all the time. There are only so many arts and crafts you can do.”

Last week, Jay said, her kids were on their screens for about 10 hours that day — after several full days outside as a family.

She said: “We had gone out two days before – it was a bit packed.

“They need a quiet day at home.

“Children need this. It may not always be full all the time.

“It’s their party – they don’t have to go out.”

Jay says she was on TV, playing Gameboys and Nintendo in her childhood.

She said: “Our parents were not checked carefully.

“No one knew what anyone else was doing.

“You feel guilty that your kids are sitting on screens.”

Jay is aware of the negative side effects of screen time and is careful that her children do not develop a bad technology habit.

She said: “Some people were shocked that I let him be on screen all day. I know my children.

“I know if it’s getting too much.”

Jay says her kids also use screens at school and find it good for learning.

She said: “It’s about balance.

“We have days outside and days inside.

“We make sure screens are turned off half an hour before bed.

“You just have to monitor it and do what’s right for you.”