Is the time your preschooler spends on tablets, hand-held games and consoles overtaking the amount of active play they do?
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That's the question University of Wollongong researchers want answered - and they're engaging 400 Illawarra youngsters to help them find out.
The enthusiastic bunch of three to five years olds - from 20 preschools across the region - will wear activity monitors for a week while their parents provide details on their electronic and physical playtimes.
Lead researcher Dr Dylan Cliff said the Path-ABC study would use the data collected to see how changing methods of play affected children's cognitive, social and emotional development, and heart health.
Dr Cliff said the study, which brings together researchers from UOWs Early Start Research Institute and the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, would fill a gap in research.
"There's been a lot of research done on how television might affect development during early childhood," he said.
"However, most of that data on electronic media predates the release of the iPad and even dedicated kids' TV channels like ABC for Kids.
"These devices, shows and games are far more common in children's lives today but research needs to keep up to see how they might be influencing young children and impacting on their development and health."
Dr Cliff said the information gleaned from the study would assist educators, health professionals and parents in deciding what type of games and shows were suitable for children.
"We will look at what's appropriate technology for development; the good and the bad, how much is an appropriate amount, and how much is too much?" he said. "If it's displacing physical activity or opportunities to be involved in social play with other kids or adults, then it might be important for emotional and social development."
The study will visit each childcare centre for one week, and again 12 months later.