Mobile phone recycling helps families connect

Mobile phone recycling could encourage more family time and encourage parents and children to connect.

This is according to a recent study commissioned by PopCap, an American developer of online games, and carried out by researchers at Goldsmith’s University in London. The study found that connecting via mobile phone games and applications (apps) could improve family relations.

Of those who took part in the study, four in five parents said they felt that games provided an opportunity for “quality time” with their children.

Dr Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic of the university, said: “The fact that both parents and grandparents are using games to connect with their children and grandchildren - and quite successfully - suggests that video games can improve social skills.”

Of those polled, a third of parents said they regularly played online games with their children, often via the Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy S and the HTC Desire handsets.