Local survey shows most kids under 4 use mobile devices daily

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- It appears very small children are getting a surprising amount of screen time these days.

In fact, a local survey shows nearly half of kids under the age of 1 are on electronic devices every day.

It is a small survey of 305 parents done at Einstein Medical Center, so it may not apply everywhere.

But experts think it adds to evidence that electronic devices are entrenched in childhood from an early age.

The survey showed by age 4, virtually every child had used either a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

And three-quarters of them had their own.

More than three-quarters of the 2-year-olds were on them daily to play games or watch videos.

Many parents use devices to occupy or soothe children.

The Academy of Pediatrics had said kids under 2 shouldn't have any screen time.

Those recommendations have softened, but it's important kids are supervised and devices aren't used to pacify children.

The survey was published in this week's edition of the journal Pediatrics.