Phone addiction is a problematic scenario of constantly using one’s mobile phone. It is a behavioural addiction thought to be similar to the internet, gambling, shopping or gaming which leads to severe impairment to one’s life.

Being too addicted to phone use can lead to

1. Depression symptoms: these are some serious psychological issues in an adolescent. There is a close relationship between depression symptoms and addiction which may be evident by suicidal thoughts and school failure.
2. Isolation: The more glued you are to your phone the less social life you tend to involve yourself in, which could further lead to serious problems in life
3. Low self-esteem and anxiety: It is proven that when you spend more time on your phone or the internet your self-esteem would drastically drop and also lead to too much worry about trivial issues because you have no one other than your mobile phone to interact with.

To break your addiction, adhere to the following

1. Set aside one day or two: Try as much as possible to take a day or two from your mobile phone; the entire day. It could be any day of the week.
2. Use applications to bolster your self-control: There are applications for everyday problems. Try to download one of the following
   1. Space. This app would help you set goals on how to use your phone
   2. Moment. This helps you with your phone in a healthy way
   3. Flipd. It helps you lock distracting apps that keep you glued to your movies.
   4. Screentime. This helps you set daily limits on the number of hours you spend on your phone.
3. Do not charge your phone near your bed: Everyone loves to have electric sockets close to their beds. Try to resist this as it would increase your addiction
4. Put your phone away when you walk in the door: When you are about to get something important done, try to put your phone away in a locker or bag.
5. Change your phone setting: Some settings on your phone can help you reduce its usage. Putting your phone on airplane mode, setting a longer password, turn on “do not disturb”, freeze apps that keep you glued for a long time.

Following these can help break your phone addiction and make life more stress-free for you.