LIFE WITH GADGETS

Children are suffering more mental health problems because of the pressure on them to keep up with the latest trends, a new study shows.
A survey by a British children's charity found that children are more materialistic than past generations and worry if they don't have fashionable clothes and high-tech gadgets.
Children from poor backgrounds were more likely to feel distressed if they were falling behind the latest trends.
Institute of Child Health professor Philip Graham, who was part of the research team, said commercial pressures could have worrying psychological effects on children.
"One factor that may be leading to rising mental health problems is the increasing degree to which children and young people are preoccupied with possessions; the latest in fashionable clothes and electronic equipment," he said.
"Evidence both from the United States and from the UK suggests that those most influenced by commercial pressures also show higher rates of mental health problems."
The Children's Society's chief executive Bob Reitemeier said adults had to accept some responsibility for the amount of advertising directed at young people.
"To accuse children of being materialistic in such a culture is a cop-out," he said.
"Unless we question our own behaviour as a society we risk creating a generation who are left unfulfilled through chasing unattainable lifestyles."