'Non-issue': NZEI member says there's bigger concerns impacting ECE than screentime

There's a view National's plan to curb young children's screen use is fixing a phantom problem.

The party wants to ban screens and devices in early childhood centres, and limit use in the first years of primary school.

It also wants a School Start Check to identify children needing extra support.

Kindy teacher and NZEI member Sally Griffin says it might sound good to parents, but ECEs have more important things to focus on.

"Research indicates that children benefit from nature-based learning environments, with qualified teachers and great teacher-to-child ratios."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Watch: National pledges to end digital screen use in early childhood education
• National to campaign on banning screentime in ECE