WE ARE used to seeing the letters "RDA" on food labels - and now an expert wants the Government to suggest a "recommended daily allowance" of television for children.

According to Dr Aric Sigman, children under three should watch no TV at all, while those aged three to seven should watch only an hour a day.

Medical studies suggest that too much television is bad for children's health, so this is a serious business. But hard-pressed parents may sigh on learning that the unofficial child-minder is officially a bad thing.

A sensible balance, calling for controlled viewing combined with occasional use of the off-switch, seems a good idea.