Young people are at risk of becoming ‘hostages to handheld devices', a report has warned.

According to The Class of 2035, which was compiled by the UK charity, Youth Sport Trust, young people in the future risk becoming totally disengaged from physical activity, and instead devoting their lives to technology.

The report noted that young people today are often considered ‘digital natives' - they are a generation raised by digital technology and are sometimes ‘unfamiliar with and hostile to any other forms of play'.

However despite the impact of the digital revolution, children's values have remained somewhat the same at their parents and grandparents.

"They like open spaces, unsupervised play and socialising," the report pointed out.

It found that 75% of young people enjoy PE in school and 64% feel better about themselves after doing sport. However, 23% count playing a computer game with friends as a form of exercise and 35% speak to their friends more on social media than in person.

"The world has evolved considerably in the last 20 years and will undoubtedly change further over the next 20. The physical and emotional wellbeing of young people are of growing concern. The digital revolution presents opportunities and challenges with young people potential hostages to their handheld devices," commented Youth Sport Trust chief executive, Ali Oliver.

Meanwhile, according to the trust's chairperson, Baroness Sue Campbell, the best case scenario for the class of 2035 ‘is healthy and active, undertaking sport and physical education on a regular basis in their schools'.

"The worst case scenario worryingly shows a ‘sidelined generation' consumed by technology, living increasingly sedentary lifestyles and unmotivated to take part in PE and school sport," she said.

The report emphasised that this is an area that requires investment.

"The debate should not be about what it will cost today to get children more active, but rather what the cost will be if no action is taken."