A leading psychologist has warned parents their excessive use of smartphones and iPads could be damaging their children's long-term health.

Dr Aric Sigman claimed such habits can be passed on to youngsters, with the growing addiction to TV and computer games putting kids at risk of suffering damage to their brain and body.

"Whether children or adults are formally 'addicted' to screen technology or not, many of them overuse technology and have developed an unhealthy dependency on it," the expert stated.

The latest statistics show 12 to 15-year-olds spend an average of 6.1 hours a day sat in front of screens outside of school hours.

Dr Sigman suggested allowing such excessive use of technology is tantamount to neglect and could set children up for a lifetime of ill health due to their lack of exercise and mental development.

The specialist's comments come after the UK's Association of Teachers and Lecturers recently raised concerns about the detrimental effect playing violent video games can have on youngsters.

Written by Donal Walsh

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