Children these days are masters of iPads and tablets, using the devices to play games, watch videos and browse the net.

And while some parents see tablets as a godsend - helping to keep their otherwise hyperactive children calm and quiet for hours on end - others are less sure, like one mother who has slammed the 'iPad generation' on the British parenting site Mumsnet.

Posting under the name LondonMummyof1, she insisted that over-use of technology is leaving children zombie like, and lacking in basic communication skills.

She said she'd been inspired to speak out online after a holiday in Spain, where she'd been shocked to see young children 'glued' to tablets during breakfast, lunch and dinner.

But her rant was criticised by some users - with several saying that iPads don't actually cause harm to children and praising the devices.

Mumsnet user londonmummyof1 has called for a ban on iPads and tablets, criticising the effect they have on children (file photo)

In a strongly-worded post, she shared her story of going on holiday in Spain and seeing children glued to the screen at meal times

In her post, the Mumsnet user said: 'The thing is, the children aren’t even given the choice of asking for the iPad or to watch a show, it’s just slapped down in front of them and then they are glued.

'No interaction, just plugged into this simulated world, at the prime time in their life they are developing their language, speech, behaviour and personality.'

The mother also revealed a list she said would make for perfect alternatives to iPads and tablets

She went on to claim that this wouldn't happen even ten years ago, before suggesting a list of alternatives to the devices, including books, stickers and play-doh.

However, other users didn't agree and rejected her claims.

One said: 'I remember seeing kids be shouted at and slapped for misbehaving in restaurants when I was a kid.

'I'm all for iPads. Wonderful invention for everyone.'

Another user said that there is no proof iPads are harmful to children.

However, some users slammed her plan, saying that there is no evidence that iPads are harmful to children

They wrote: 'I would be very interested to read the peer-reviewed journal articles that give definitive evidence that screen time is bad for children, please.'

One user warned that it would be very difficult to cut down on iPad usage, saying: 'I don't think you can un-invent the wheel.'

Other users were less critical of the poster, though they also disagreed with the idea of a ban.

Other users also disagreed, pointing out the benefits of iPads and also saying that they are just the latest things for parents to complain about

One said: 'My grandmother used to talk about my mother reading in much the same vein. When I was young, it was too much TV and possibly game-and-watch.'

While another mother praised tablets: 'My kids used the iPad loads when they were younger. Now in restaurants they are great company. iPad use doesn't need to equal iPad addiction. It saved my sanity when they were younger though.'

The poster did receive some support, however, with some parents noting that the devices keep children away from other activities and from spending time with family.

However, some supported the idea of banning the devices, saying that they leave children lacking social skills

One supporter said: 'I’m probably in a minority, but I do agree with you to some extent. It’s quite sad really.

'I visited a friend recently who has two boys under six. They didn’t look up from their tablets when I walked in, and stayed that way for more than an hour.

'Sorry to trot out the ''it was better in my day...'' but we behaved reasonably well in restaurants without technology. We enjoyed time with family and interacted.'