The BBC have announced plans to extend children’s programming to later in the evening, and parents and teachers have vocalised concern over the move.
The broadcaster hopes to finish programming on kid’s channel CBBC from 9pm come February 2016 rather than switching off at the current time of 7pm.
Parents and other care givers have expressed concern that the move could affect children’s bedtimes and in turn have a detrimental effect on their concentration at school.
Child psychologist Jenny Stephens from advice firm HappySleepers explains: “9pm is too late… Getting even one hour less than the optimal sleep recommended for a child has a significant impact on daytime behaviour and cognitive learning.”
Young children are recommended to get 11 hours of sleep and specialist also recommend that TVs should be OFF an hour before bedtime.
BBC trustee Richard Ayre has defended the CBBC plans to move the timings, telling the Mail Online: “This is a partnership. There is an off button.
“The BBC does its best to guarantee that its offer to young children is appropriate. Part of that bargain is that parents exercise some discretion.”
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