Kids First Children's Services director Sonja Walker said devices like computer keyboards and smartphones meant children were growing up without the strength and stamina to hold a pen for long enough to use their imagination to create a story or draw.

She said it was also affecting hand-eye co- ordination and the creativity of arts and craft.

"I have seen a marked increase in the number of children requiring occupational therapy and fine motor skills support due to a lack of strength and muscle co-ordination in their hands and lower arms as a direct result of overuse of technology," Ms Walker said.

According to the Bureau of Statistics, more than 40 per cent of children aged five to 14 watch more than 10 hours of television a fortnight.

This excludes using smartphones, iPads, laptops and the like.

Playgroup Tasmania recommends children under five spend no more than two hours a week in front of screens and children five to eight, no more than eight hours.

Playgroup Tasmania chief executive Debbie Smith said the flickering of lights affected brain stimulation and intellectual development. "Because the brain is developing so quickly between zero and five and you do your most learning in that time, that affects it,' Mrs Smith said.

She said children were still trying to balance, negotiate terms, problem solve and adjust to situations at this age.

"If you're just sitting in front of the TV, your body is not learning," Mrs Smith said.

Children should play instead.

"It's things like playing dress-ups, which enables them to express themselves and learn language skills, and playing with their peers develops negotiation skills," Mrs Smith said.

However, when children get to school, parents believe technology is a good tool.

Angela Cameron, of Newnham, said her two boys, Brock, 9, and Jake, 8, used iPads as a learning tool and a way to build technology skills at school.

"They have their place in society and can be used to an advantage," she said.

"It's a sign of the times."