Vinnie Jones 'can't bear' seeing grandkids 'hooked' on iPads as he blasts tech

Vinnie Jones 'can't bear' seeing grandkids 'hooked' on iPads as he blasts tech Vinnie Jones has spoken out about the dangers of screen time on children's mental health, urging kids to get outside and reconnect with nature and outdoor activity Hollywood hard man Vinnie Jones has hit out at 'addictive' technology, blaming it for contributing to the mental health crisis among young people. The former Wimbledon midfielder insisted more must be done to help children and young adults rediscover nature, and spoke candidly about how his own active way of life has benefited him. "I want to get kids outside," he said. "With my two grandchildren, I can't bear seeing them sitting two inches away from an iPad when they are here at the farm and they have the great outdoors at their disposal. "I want to get them out into the countryside, building tree houses, catching fish and doing things like that. But they're hooked on these computer games. "That's where I think a lot of mental health problems can start. If they're not stepping outside their front door, that can lead to negative mindsets and everything else that comes with it." Growing up on the outskirts of Watford, Vinnie embraced an outdoor lifestyle, keeping himself busy with football, fishing and staying on the move. He said: "Being out in the countryside was a great release for us. We were climbing trees, swimming in canals and running across fields. There was no sign of any mental health issues with any of us, because I think we all had that release, along with the competitive side of football. "We'd play two games on a Saturday and two on a Sunday, and that was our release as we had a large friendship group and camaraderie to support each other." Vinnie is firmly convinced that more needs to be done to help those battling mental health issues, and that there is genuine healing power in spending time outdoors. He added: "The outdoors means freedom. No selfies, no dramas. The benefit of being in the great outdoors is that you can share it with friends and have a great time creating memories and supporting each other. "I had a football under my arm wherever I went. I was forever throwing down a couple of jumpers and creating a goal. That's where it all started." He continued: "I think there is a massive mental health problem, not only in this country, but across the world. I don't think it has really been addressed properly until now. "People should feel able to say that it's OK to talk. It doesn't have to be as devastating as it may feel at the time. Life is hard enough without not addressing the problems." Vinnie still makes a point of getting outside today, revealing that he goes "nuts" if he is stuck indoors for 20 minutes. The FA Cup winner is partnering with premium prize draw platform Ventus, which is supporting mental health charities as part of its launch draw. The company is giving people the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Croatia, including private jet travel, a seven-night crewed yacht experience and £10,000 spending money. Entry to the competition starts from just £15, with 20 per cent of profits from each draw being donated through Work for Good. On backing worthwhile charitable causes, Vinnie said: "Supporting young people is important because they look up to us. We're on TV, we're in movies, we're in documentaries. "As we get a little bit older, we realise we have a responsibility to the younger generation." Chris Wall, founder at Ventus, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with Vinnie on this unique opportunity. "Not only will people have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip and create unforgettable memories, each paid entry will also contribute to charitable causes that create real-world impact. "If you win, you'll be able to enjoy a seven-night all-inclusive crewed yacht experience for you and up to three guests, private jet travel, and £10,000 spending money for the getaway."