Kirstie Allsopp fuels the ‘lazy parenting’ debate after spotting a baby with an iPad

KIRSTIE Allsopp has sparked a debate about ‘lazy parenting’ after criticizing parents giving their children iPads in prams.

The TV presenter, 52, said it is one of the “saddest sights” when she witnesses it in public.

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Via X, formerly known as Twitter, the Location, Location, Location star revealed her thoughts on using phones or tablets for children.

Kirstie, mother of sons Bay, 17, and Oscar15, said: “One of the saddest sights is a child sitting in a pram with a pastel iPad in a case that attaches to the pram so you know it’s theirs and they sit on it often.

“Yesterday a little girl, no older than seven, walked past on our road, she was glued to what was clearly her phone. [sic]”

She added: “The data tells us that devices are harmful.

“Little children in strollers don’t need ‘screen time’, children walking down the street don’t need screen time either.”

Kirstie’s post has racked up 2,600 likes, but opinions are divided among fans.

One person commented on her opinion and said: “You too! Why do you judge people?

“The child may have additional needs. The child may not like a stroller and the only way parents can get anywhere…just stop!’

Another agreed, saying: “Normally I agree, but this time I can’t.

“My two-year-old daughter has a cheap old tablet, but we use it when we go shopping or run errands for desperate measures.

“I have severe anxiety so this helps me when I need it and I’m alone with her. It’s not always bad.”

A third said: “You have no idea of ​​that particular child’s daily routine, yet you have jumped to a story based on a few seconds of observation of that random child.”

Kirstie, who has been married to property entrepreneur Ben Anderson since 2004, replied: “No, the child can just look around and talk to the adult standing next to them. [sic]”

However, one woman agreed with Kirstie’s stance on tablets.

Small children in strollers don’t need ‘screen time’, children walking down the street don’t need screen time either

Kirstie Allsopp

She said: “I am a nanny for three boys aged 10, 6 and 3. When we are together there are no screens whatsoever. We play games, read and participate in imaginary or external activities.

“Tired parents come home and the kids’ personalities completely change and the demand for screens starts.”

Kirstie replied: “We chose to have children, they are not being forced on us. It is our responsibility to raise them well.”

According to research, children who sat in front of the TV were more likely to have poorer speech and difficulty moving at the ages of two and three.

They followed 57,980 children to see how screen time affected their ability to walk, talk and solve problems, as well as their social skills.

Dr. Midori Yamamoto, from Chiba University, said: “Increased TV screen time from early age negatively affected later development.

“To reduce the negative consequences of excessive media use, health care professionals should recommend social support for parents who tend to be media dependent.”

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence suggests that children should have TV-free days and a two-hour limit on the time they spend in front of screens.

A limited amount of kid-friendly screen time can be educational, but it’s important to make sure the content is appropriate for your child’s age, it adds.

Previous studies have shown that spending four or more hours a day can increase the risk of developmental delays.