The WA Education Minister wants parents to teach their children more before they start school.

Education Minister Peter Collier says parents should stop blaming schools for their children's deficiencies, as an increasing number of children start pre-primary without basic skills, such as holding a pencil, painting a picture or counting.

Mr Collier believes parents are not putting in the time with their children that they used to.

“Data from the 2015 on-entry assessments of all pre-primary children in public schools shows nearly one quarter lacked basic literacy skills, such as the ability to write their names or recognise simple rhyming words,” he said.

“Unfortunately schools are being blamed for a whole raft of things.

“Fundamentally a child's education must commence at home.

“We can do as much as we can... but fundamentally we must have the support of parents.”

The comments came alongside the launch of a $500,000 State Government-funded television and online advertising campaign, which encourages parents to get more involved.

The ads direct parents to educational videos containing tips on school-readiness.

The first video in the series is a warning about over use of electronic devices such as iPads.

It appears to be an important message, given recent research that suggests increased screen-time leaves children with under-developed motor skills and no time to explore the world around them.