Handing children hi-tech gadgets for car journeys instead of playing traditional family games is seriously damaging children's social development, according to top scientists.
The survey of 1098 parents found 1 in 2 will be giving their youngsters hand-held electronic toys over Easter bank holiday, to keep them quiet on long journeys.
The Easter weekend is one of the busiest in the year for Britain's roads, with 54% of UK families going on a long journey, but just 5% of kids will play a traditional game en route.
Just 1% of youngsters are likely to spend the journey reading a book, and scientists say this trend could be seriously stundting children's social development.
Dr David Holmes, a Psychologist at Manchester Metropolitan University said: "Electronic distractions such as Nintendo DS are not interactive, so do not help children with their social development.
"In fact, they can actually make them feel very car sick.
"Traditional games help children develop their social skills - diplomacy, turn-taking, loss of inhibition, listening, sharing of wit and wisdom, and ultimately building a family rapport.
"I recommend playing quizzes, the Last letter game, Twenty questions and Car registration number games."
Other popular in-car past-times include watching DVD's (21%), and listening to MP3 players (15%), which Dr Holmes points out are solitary activities, while group sing-a-longs will take place in just 4% of cars.
The study was commissioned by confectionary makers Panda Licorice.
Spokesman Lisa Gawthorne said: "Portable gaming systems came out as the clear choice for in car entertainment for kids and it seems MP3 players are a popular choice for teenagers."
"Unfortunately, activities all the family can join in together have fallen in popularity, which is a real shame as it suggests parents are interacting less with their children."
The top 10 choices for in-car entertainment are:
1. Nintendo DS
2. Sony PSP
3. In-car / portable DVD
4. MP3 / iPod
5. Audio Books
6. Singalongs
7. I-Spy
8. Number plate game
9. Last letter game
10. Books
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