Some Irish children as young as 7 are spending 21 hours a week on phones, laptops or watching TV.

While a fifth of 7 and 8 year olds are either overweight or obese.

The figures are included in the ESRI’s latest growing up in Ireland study.

Kim Buckley has this report:

This latest growing up in Ireland study found that 80 percent of Irish 7 and 8 year olds are described as very healthy; however overweight and obesity issues are still a major problem.

15 percent of children are reported to be overweight, while 5 percent are obese.

These numbers go up among children in more socially disadvantaged groups.

The rates are being linked to the high amount of screen time kids have, with some spending as many as 21 hours a week on phones, laptops and watching TV.

Typical screen time is around 1 or two hours on a weekday, rising to 3 on a weekend, while kids whose mothers had lower levels of education have more screen time.

As well as watching tv, children also enjoy make-believe games and reading with 35 percent reading for pleasure every day.

The study also looked at education and after around 2 years at primary school, 90 percent of parents are reporting that their child is adjusting well.