Parents' concern over phones ruling their kids' lives

PARENTS across Beverley and Holderness have raised serious concerns about the impact of smartphones and social media on children, warning of rising anxiety, isolation and pressure to be online.

- By ANDREW SPENCE

Local MP, Graham Stuart, set up a survey on the issue after he was made aware of such concerns.More than 80 per cent of the respondents to the Conservative MP's survey supported stronger limits on smartphone and social media use for under-16s. A similar number also rated the issue as a high priority.

In the survey, parents from towns and villages across the constituency described similar problems including children spending less time talking and playing together in person. The survey follows increased discussion nationally about potential limitations for children.