Half of NZ children using cellphones - report

New research has found nearly half of New Zealand children use cellphones.

A Broadcasting Standards Authority report into the use of media by children aged from 6-13 has found 99 per cent of kids watch television, 62 per cent use the internet and 42 per cent use cellphones.

The report also shows a growing number of parents are allowing their children to watch television after 8.30pm, when adults-only programmes are on.

BSA chief executive Dominic Sheehan says the research also shows Pacific Island and Maori children have less access to the internet and cellphones than Asian and Caucasian children.

- NEWSTALK ZB