Smartphones becoming health issue: study

A new Australian study has added weight to suggestions that smartphone addiction among young people is becoming an increasing public health issue.

A third of undergraduates interviewed reported feeling anxious if they couldn't check their phone. (AAP)

Young Australians are feeling lost and anxious without their smartphones and compulsive use is affecting their functioning, a new study has found.

A third of almost 400 undergraduates interviewed reported feeling anxious if they were unable to regularly check their phones, according to the Deakin University school of psychology study.

Lead researcher Dr Sharon Horwood labelled the findings surprising, and added weight to suggestions problematic smartphone use is becoming an increasingly prevalent public health issue.