Smartphone addiction: Digital dependency could doom the youth

A new report has raised concerns over smartphone addiction among youngsters. Psychiatrists say that almost a quarter of young people are so dependent on their mobiles that they become panicky and upset if they are denied constant access.

The study by UK based researchers also found that youngsters are unable to control the amount of time they spend on the phone.

The study which involved 42 thousand youngsters warns that such addictions have "serious consequences" for mental health.

23 per cent of the surveyed youngsters were found to be addicted to their phones. They showed anxiety when denied access to their gadgets. The addiction also interfered with their daily activities.

Researches said that such behaviour could also be linked to other problems such as stress, lack of sleep and poor performance in school.

The study concluded that there was a need for public awareness and that parents should monitor the amount the time their children are spending on smartphones.