The Influence of Birth Order on Children's Screen Use and Enrichment Activities

A study utilizing data from 5,500 Australian children reveals that younger siblings spend more time on screens at the expense of enrichment activities compared to their firstborn counterparts. This pattern holds true in the US as well, suggesting that parental time allocation and sibling dynamics influence childhood development.

A recent study from researchers analyzed data from 5,500 Australian children to explore the impact of birth order on children's activities. The findings reveal that later-born children engage in more screen time and fewer intellectual development activities compared to firstborns.

The research utilized diaries to track time spent on various activities by children across Australia, noting a similar pattern in the U.S. The data shows that second and third-born children spend significant additional time on screens each day, reducing time for tasks like homework.

The study suggests that parental time constraints, coupled with fewer rules on screen use for younger children, contribute to these differences. These activities could have lasting effects on academic achievement, signaling a need for strategic parenting and policy adjustments.

(With inputs from agencies.)