A little girl has raised concerns about how the new technology installed at McDonald’s distracts children from talking to their families.

Tenterden schoolgirl Felicity Carter, who turned seven on Tuesday, visited the fast-food outlet with her mum, Melissa, and four-year-old sister, Florence, but took objection to the new Wi-fi-connected tablets.

She believes the tablets, which were installed during a refurbishment of the restaurant in Ashford High Street earlier this month, prevent children from chatting with their friends and families.

Felicity, who will join Tenterden Junior School from the infant school in September, also criticised McDonald’s for “spreading germs” via the devices.

She was so concerned that she turned her thoughts into words and sent them to the Kentish Express in a letter, asking the paper to find out why the technology had been installed.

She finished her letter with: “I would really like to be a news reporter one day.”

Her mum Melissa Carter, of Knockwood Road, Tenterden, said: “She was shocked when she saw them.

“They don’t promote family meal time. Plus, they were filthy, and there were no anti-bacterial wipes.”

Mrs Carter added: “She loves writing, so I suggested she contacted the paper about it.”

As well as taking an interest in local news and events, Felicity enjoys creative writing and is working on a script for a sequel to Frozen.

She said: “I write a lot of stories. I’m writing a story about Alice and Wonderland with my cousin. And I made a story about an invisible friend called Mr Wobbles.

“I’ve also written a story for Frozen, where Elsa loses her powers and Anna gets the sun’s powers.”

Her letter to the Kentish Express said: "My mummy and sister and I went to McDonald’s in Ashford town. I saw that they had put in lots of iPads for kids! I think this is wrong.

“All the kids weren’t talking to their families. Just playing games.

“The iPads were yucky and covered in grease. Their fingers had germs on them and it could spread.

“I think McDonald’s is very wrong to put these in. I would like to know why they have."

“The iPads were yucky and covered in grease. Their fingers had germs on them and it could spread" - Felicity Carter

McDonald’s says it is up to customers whether they use the tablets.

A spokesman said: “We value family time and we believe that our new interactive technology enhances the family experience in our restaurants.

“Choosing to use or play with our tablets is completely up to the customer and we will always encourage them to enjoy their McDonald’s experience however they please.

“We’d like to thank Felicity for providing feedback on our tablets and we’d love to see her and the family again in our Ashford High Street restaurant.”

The free tablets are part of a refurbishment of the fast food restaurant which also includes self-order kiosks.