Apple urged to curb kids’ addiction to electronics

APPLE has been urged to tackle iPhone addiction among children by two major investors amid increasing fears that social media is harming the next generation.

The investors, who collectively control Apple shares worth $2billion (£1.47billion), told the company in an open letter to do more to protect youngsters from becoming hooked on gadgets.

In the letter, the investors said the multinational tech company must offer more tools to help children moderate their use –

‘Can play a defining role’

including the ability to impose limits on how long devices can be used for.

The intervention, from New York-based Jana Partners LLC and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, comes amid alarm at how electronic devices are affecting children’s development.

Their letter said: ‘Apple can play a defining role in signalling to the industry that paying special attention to the health and development of the next generation is both good business and the right thing to do.’

Their proposals include establishing an expert committee to advise the company, and enhancing software so that parents are able to protect their children from harmful influences.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.