The dramatic rise of computer and social media use is damaging the health of young people, according to the World Health Organisation.
A steep decline in the amount of daily exercise, cyberbullying and sleep loss are all risks associated with children using technology for two hours a day or more.
The WHO study was based on a questionnaire sent to more than 200,000 children in 42 countries. It found a rapid increase from 2002 to 2014 in the number of people using people the Internet for social media, surfing online and homework.
When it came to using computers, tablets, or smartphones just for games, between a third and two-thirds of children were spending two or more hours every weekday on them.
Lead author Jo Inchley, from the University of St Andrew’s, said the rise in social media was having an impact on young people.
“We know that a positive impact of social media is social connectedness and the sense of interaction,” said Dr Inchley.
WHO experts found that internet use tripled for girls aged 15 during the period, which can be traced back to social media.
The report, launched today at the European Congress on Obesity in Portugal, reveals the number of obese adolescents is continuing to rise in many countries across the European region. The report finds that the prevalence of children choosing internet use over exercise is contributing to the obesity epidemic.
Dr Inchley said, "There are longer-term impacts on physical health, from being sedentary.”
She said these risks included cardiovascular disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.
