Experts say too much screen time can stunt the development of a child's social skills.  Picture: Supplied.
Source: Supplied

PARENTS are being urged to wean their 'screen-addicted' children off electronic games before school resumes.

NSW child psychologist Kimberley O'Brien, of Quirky Kid Clinic, said more parents were enrolling children in social skills classes because of the time children spent watching TV or playing Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox and PlayStation games.

Dr O'Brien said "screen addiction" was increasing even for children of kindergarten age and many were more comfortable playing electronic games than playing with other children.

She said about 60 per cent of children questioned had said watching TV or playing games was their favourite activity.

"Social skills need a bit more work these days because of screen time," Dr O'Brien said.

"The ones that may have spent too much time on the screen may be a little behind when it comes to social skills, but kids can be very adaptable."

Dr O'Brien said the clinic's social skills and communication program taught children how to join groups, take turns and be able to talk and play with other children.

NSW Kids First Children's Services director Sonja Walker advised parents to wean their children off the games and set up rules around TV and games access during the school year.

"It's about setting up boundaries for school times," Ms Walker said.

"Holidays are different but when it's back to school, you tell them this is how it's going to be when it comes to electronic games and screen time."

Ms Walker said children should turn off screens at least an hour before bed.

Children also began to feel anxiety as school approached and experts said familiarity was the best way to combat those fears, especially for children starting kindergarten, high school or changing schools.

Sydney Child Psychology Centre principal psychologist Dr Fiona Martin said parents of children starting "big school" should take the children for a visit to the school, encourage them to practise putting on their uniforms and packing lunch boxes and organise play dates with other children.

"I think it's all about making kids resilient, teaching them so they are able to cope when something goes wrong," she said.