Calls for less screen time, and more conversations with children, before they begin school

Education Review Office research reveals too many children are starting school without knowing how to read and write.

More than two-thirds of parents report their child had language difficulties before they started school last year.

Head of ERO's Education Evaluation Centre Ruth Shinoda says parents need to limit device use, to boost learning.

She says language is developed by talking to children - and they need to know words, before learning to read and write them at school.