THE SMARTPHONE IS a tool of connectivity. But it has equally been blamed as the root of many heavy users becoming disconnected from the people around them.

(Even Facebook spoke about the dangers of social media this weekend.)

If you are a parent or spend time with children, it’s something to think about.

This tweet from the BBC Academy’s head Andrew Wilson made us pause:

Morning jog coincided with school run. Most parents staring at phones, paying children no attention. Who wants the epitaph: 'Wish I had spent more time with my phone and less time with my child'? #smartphone ? pic.twitter.com/0xCt2LJeRW
— Andrew Wilson (@ACWils) December 7, 2017

Andrew Wilson / Twitter

If you are with a child, do you make a conscious effort not to check your phone?

Poll Results:

I mostly try (2773)

Nope (1770)

Yes, I'm strict about it (1051)

Occasionally (989)

Yes, I'm strict about it
I mostly try
Occasionally
Nope

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More