This Morning suggested we could be “on the verge of a technology epidemic” as tech-savvy kids risk addiction to their gadgets. And Twitter went mad.
Furious viewers expressed their anger and disdain for parents who can’t adequately supervise their kid’s use of smartphones, tablets and that devil of all devices - video games.
Hosts Ruth Langford and Eamon Holmes were joined by addiction expert, Mandy Saligari, who said: "I work in addictions… one of the most common questions I get from parents is about technology… kids as young as four, five six [are addicted]…
"Parents are very short of time. They resort to technology as a babysitter…"
The show presented results from a survey that found 27 per cent of four to 14 year olds became verbally abusive when their parents take their technology away.
Fellow guests James and Fiona Kent revealed their little boy Joe regularly flips out over his Xbox and can’t sleep if he hasn’t spent enough time gaming that day.
Fiona said: "He was never aggressive to us…
"But he had a brand new telly for Christmas and because of his temper, he put his fist through the telly and the bedroom wall."
Saligari said she’s often approached by concerned parents who are struggling to cope with this "common problem".
But the Dent’s story prompted outrage and sarcasm on social media rather than empathy from fellow parents.
Viewers tweeted:
Who's to blame for kids becoming addicted to technology? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook and @CloserOnline.
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