Vizulize recently launched a campaign into mobile phone use.  I think most of us are guilty of using our mobile phones more than we would like!  I find it handy having my mobile phone to check work emails and update my blog social media pages.  Some people might be a bit judgy wondering why I am checking in on my phone when I have my kids with me.  But for me it’s my work and livelihood.  I have the freedom to spend the days with my children however I do need to reply to opportunities and update my blog social media pages.

Although the danger is then I can’t help just checking the latest gossip on facebook or having a quick few spins on Coinmaster once the work is completed!  So, I think I would benefit from being a bit stricter with how long I allocate myself.  I think its important to be present when I am with my kids.  Yet sometimes a little escape is needed if they have been particularly wild!  Yet it can get quite addictive and before you know a lot more time has passed.

Research into Mobile Phone Screen Time

Vizulize have done some interesting research into mobile screen time.  You can see the results below.  They want us to think about the effects this usage can have on the health of our eyes.  41% of respondents complained of eye strain.

I am 40 and it says that age bracket tends to use their mobile phone mostly for social media.  It’s true for me first thing in the morning or last thing at night.  I think I need to get myself a mobile phone jail for the evenings after the children have gone to sleep.  Then I could devote more time to chatting to my husband rather than looking mindlessly at my phone.  My husband and I will even watch a film with half an eye on our phones!  It’s a bad habit we have gotten into and something needs to change.

We are not alone here, apparently lots of couples are mobile “screen snubbed” so mobile phones are impacting relationships and family dynamics.

What can you do about it?

Vizulize do have lots of helpful advice on their website and a comprehensive range of eye drops to soothe irritated eyes.  But really the best thing we should do is try and step away from our phones.  Carve out some time in the day where mobile phones are strictly off limits.  Perhaps you don’t think there is a problem with your mobile phone usage.  But then you can download apps that will track how long you spend on your mobile phone and you might end up being surprised that it all adds up to much longer than you thought!

Once you have a clear idea of your phone habits you can start to change them.