A new study claims screen time for babies could lead to developmental delays later in childhood.

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Researchers from Drexel University's College of Medicine and Dornsife School of Public Health have found that sitting a baby in front of a tablet or TV screen - as well as parents playing with their children less - could be associated with greater ASD (autisim spectrum disorder) symptoms.

The study - which was published in JAMA Pediatrics - discovered that viewing screens at 12 months was associated with a 4% increase in ASD symptoms, while daily playtime with a parent saw a 9% decrease in the behaviour.

Senior author Professor David S. Bennett said: ''These findings strengthen our understanding of the importance of playtime between parents and children relative to screen time.

''There is a great opportunity for public health campaigns and paediatricians to educate and empower parents to possibly minimise their child's risk of ASD symptoms, which may include increasing social interaction and limiting screens at an early age.''