Kids spend 21 hours a week on smartphones – as new law unveiled to curb usage [Video]

PLANS to cut children’s smartphone use have been unveiled as figures show pre-teens spend 21 hours a week on them.

Proposals include raising the internet “adulthood” age from 13 to 16 to protect kids from addictive material.

Guidance to make schools smartphone-free would be written into law with further rules on the design, supply and marketing of mobiles, if needed.

Regulator Ofcom would get extra powers to spare children exposure to apps and services considered to be harmful.

It comes as research shows the average 12-year-old spends 21 hours a week on smartphones.

The measures aimed at protecting kids from excessive screen time are contained in a private members’ bill introduced by Labour MP Josh MacAlister.

The former teacher, who has cross-party support, said: “Evidence is mounting that children doom-scrolling for hours a day is causing widespread harm.

“Adults find it hard enough …