Put your phone away

there are sound reasons for hiding our phones when we need to concentrate. most people know how tempting it is to avoid the task in hand by checking a twitter feed or reading a text. more seriously, research shows that when we go back to our task again, we’re more likely to make a mistake. a scary thought when you think how easy it is to scan a text while driving. If it’s important to check your emails, set aside two or three periods a day to do so, rather than responding the moment they land in your inbox.

Phones can also have a negative impact on the quality of our conversation and relationships. “you’ve only got to look around the average restaurant and see all the people glancing at their phones, instead of giving their full attention to the people they are with,” says Crabbe. there’s even a name for it: “phubbing” or snubbing someone with your phone. although it might seem harmless, a recent study found that it makes conversation less satisfying, leaves people feeling excluded and affects their self-esteem.

to avoid phubbing, create a family routine with windows of phone-free time. If a blanket phone blackout would be the prelude to World War three in your house, opt for a softer policy of no phones at the table and/or no phones after a certain hour, say 8 or 9pm, or before school.

✢ Do IT! Keep your phone out of sight in your bag when you meet friends. and if you’re on the receiving end of phubbing, try saying: “am

I not enough for you?” They’ll soon get the message. w&h