Smartphones, really is a teenager thing.

The research suggests that with the rise of mobile technology and smartphones, many teenagers actually prefer to communicate with each other online, rather than in person.

But this isn't necessarily a bad thing; three quarters of teenagers feel that having a mobile phone makes them closer to their mothers and fathers, the study finds.

Half of teenagers surveyed said they even felt sorry for the “dull lives” their parents had growing up without mobile phones, suggesting they believe that interacting with each other online is often more rewarding than face-to-face

A similar number also enjoy the privilege of being "able to do more" because their parents know they can contact them if they need to, the study of 502 people aged between 12 to 21 found.

Almost all of the teenagers said they felt safer leaving the house with their mobile phone, and 76 per cent said that was because they could get hold of their parents at the drop of a hat.