ONE in four children believes that playing video games counts as exercise, according to a new report.

Young people risk becoming “hostages to handheld devices”, living lives devoted to technology and disengaged from physical activity, the Youth Sport Trust warned.

The group, a national charity, surveyed 1,000 children aged between five and 16. It found that 23 per cent “think playing a computer game with friends is a form of exercise”, while 35 per cent say they speak to friends more through social media than in person.

The findings form part of a study, entitled The Class of 2035, which warns that sport in schools is at a “critical crossroads” and must remain a priority “to avoid a physically and socially disengaged future generation, overdependent on technology”.

Schools should look at ways to incorporate technology into sports lessons, it suggests.

“There is no resisting the march of technology. Policymakers can feel nostalgic for a time before the challenges new connected technologies have brought in engaging young people, or they can harness these technologies to their advantage,” the report concludes.

“To get children active from a young age, a more holistic approach to PE is needed, one which integrates technology and a digitally enhanced form of physical activity.”

Ali Oliver, the trust’s chief executive, said: “The digital revolution presents opportunities and challenges with young people becoming potential hostages to their handheld devices.

“We must recognise their needs today … to improve opportunities for young people through PE and school sport.”