BOURNEMOUTH East MP Tobias Ellwood has voiced concerns over the impact technology is having on the way children communicate.

The defence minister revealed that he banned handheld gadgets such as phones and tablets during a recent family holiday.

During an interview with Sky News, Mr Ellwood said people are “addicted” to using their phones and other similar devices.

“If you think of how many hours you or I use these things, or our kids do, it is a fundamental change and I worry that it is affecting the ability of the youngsters to communicate with each other in the way that we used to,” he said.

The subject of technology came to the fore yesterday after Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt set a deadline for social media companies to outline how they plan to cut underage use and prevent cyber bullying. Mr Ellwood said if firms do not act then the Government should step in.