Findings from a survey of 2,024 UK working mothers of children aged four-11 by Koru Kids reveal that more than a third (35 per cent) are forced to have their children at home while they attempt to work due to problems accessing the wrap-a-round care they need. A third of mums and dads said they have increased the amount of screentime their children are allowed just so they can work more hours.
According to Koru Kids, a childcare agency, children not in after-school clubs spend half of their time (1.5 hours on average) between 3-6pm on a screen or device, while children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) spend 1.6 hours. A total of 45 per cent of parents that took part in the survey said the extra screentime has a detrimental effect come bedtime as its harder for them to relax. Some said their children become more irritable.
More than half of respondents said the increase in screentime means their children come to expect and want more screentime in the future and a third say it is harder to entertain them in other ways.
A fifth of parents said they worry their child believes they prioritise work over spending time with them.
Rachel Carrell, founder of Koru Kids, said, ‘So much money and effort is spent on figuring out what children should be doing during school hours but hit 3pm and it’s as if no one cares. The period from 3pm – 6pm, when parents are still working, is totally overlooked. It’s as if it doesn’t exist, and what happens in those three hours doesn’t matter.
‘But it does matter. It does have an impact, especially when it’s filled with time on screens and devices. Child mental health is at an all-time low and we’re blaming smart phones, COVID – what about the lack of after-school care too?
‘Parents need access to affordable, flexible wraparound care so they can work productively, knowing their children are being well cared for.’
