Cell phones are becoming more and more popular, among children and teens who are primarily using their phones for texting, talking to friends and checking e-mail. This increased cell phone usage among young people is evident in both the U.S. and internationally.

According to Spanish media reports, two children ages 12 and 13, were recently admitted to the Children and Youth Mental Health Centre in Lleide, close to Barcelona for cell phone addiction.

Their parents admitted them because they couldn't perform normal activities without their cell phones. In addition, they were doing poorly in school and lied to family members in order to get money for their phones.

Before being admitted, the children had owned their phones for 18 months. Their parents hadn't restricted their cell phone usage, until they notice that it had become a problem.

The children have had to live without their phones for three months.

This is the first time that the Children and Youth Mental Health Centre has had to admit children for cell phone addiction.

Dr. Maite Utges, who runs Children and Youth Mental Health Centre, recommended that parents restrict cell phones until their children are 16.