Young people spending seven hours a day glued to their mobile phones

ALMOST a fifth of young people aged 16 to 24 are so addicted to their smartphones they spend more than seven hours a day online, Ofcom data reveal. The exclusive analysis for The Sunday Telegraph shows that young people are twice as likely as the rest of the population to be online for the equivalent of more than two full days a week.

The data also reveal a generational digital divide, as just 1 per cent of over65s and only 6 per cent of 55 to 64-yearolds spend longer than 50 hours a week online, compared with 18 per cent of 16 to 24-year-olds – more than 1.1million young people. Ofcom disclosed earlier this month that Britons on average spend a day a week online and check their smartphones every 12 minutes.

Online experts expressed concern that such heavy use of phones, tablets and PCs could be having a negative impact on relationships, productivity and mental health. The Telegraph is campaigning for internet companies to take greater responsibility for web us- ers’ well-being. For the generation born around the turn of the Millennium, smartphones are the main mode of accessing the internet. Even the oldest of the 16 to 24-year-olds were just 13 when the iPhone was launched.

One in seven younger users admitted they were more productive when they lost access to the internet. More than half admitted their devices interrupted conversations with family and friends. “I feel that age group are aware of their digital dependence and are making efforts and attempts to cut down,” said Tanya Goodin, founder of Time to Log Off, a digital health consultancy. “It is not just about it affecting relationships and productivity but also mental health. An Oxford University study last year showed self-reported mental well-being peaked for 15-year olds at four hours a day on screens.”