When smartphones hit the market they provided revolutionary technology that allowed people to do astonishing things. From paying bills to connecting with our loved ones anytime, the possibilities are seemingly endless. However, there’s been some debate regarding phone screen safety. Here is a range of tips to ensure safety for usage, storing, and charging the mini-computers nearly everyone has in their pockets or purses today.
Although smartphones have given people access to numerous things like answers at the touch of a button or the ability to control your thermostat from anywhere, there are some rules regarding phone usage etiquette and safety. For example, many people feel it’s impolite to talk on the phone in public places, or look at your phone screen while someone is talking to you. As such, keeping your phone screen face down while sharing a meal is considered polite and shows you’re engaged and interested in spending time with the person or people you’re with.
Minimizing Distractions
Furthermore, it minimizes distractions because you won’t notice your phone screen light up every time you get a notification. Meanwhile, checking your phone less will conserve battery life and help prolong your phone’s life.
Phone Screen Safety
Lastly, keeping your phone screen down protects your privacy and prevents passersby from seeing personal information.
Main Downside of Keeping Your Phone Screen Down
Additional Downside
Moreover, keeping your phone screen face down isn’t recommended if you have somewhere to be later as you may forget to check the time.
A Reflection of Your Presence
Interestingly, some experts believe that how you keep your phone screen hints at how you’re feeling in a situation. For example, most people keep their phones away while they’re with their closest friends or family, and have their phone nearby and available when they’re in uncomfortable social situations or surrounded by acquaintances or strangers. Either way, the pros and cons are pretty clear. However, phone screen safety isn’t the only way to prolong your health and safety or your phone’s health.
Protecting Your Health and Wellbeing
RFPage is a website where experts share safety information “regarding radio frequency technology” and consumers can learn more about phone safety. They cover a range of topics and recommend using headphones or the speaker option to prevent harmful damage to your brain. Additionally, they suggest keeping your phone away from your body, like in a purse or bag and on the table away from your bed while it’s charging.
Turn Off Certain Functions When Not in Use
Another recommendation is to turn off Bluetooth and WiFi when not in use to prevent unnecessary exposure to electromagnetic radiation and to prolong your battery life.
Lastly, they suggest avoiding phone calls where service is poor such as in the basement or out in the woods. Purportedly, this causes “mobile devices to increase transmission power” and increases exposure to radiation. Meanwhile, Rescusaveslives offers guidance to parents hoping to implement phone screen and usage safety.
Safety Tips for Parents
Firstly, they note that while there’s no “concrete” perfect age to introduce children to technology they recommend waiting until your child is old enough to fully grasp the possible dangers and downsides.
Communication On and Off the Phone Screen
Secondly, they suggest setting screen time limitations and encouraging open communication so you’ll always be in the loop about who they’re talking to and what the internet has access to. Meanwhile, limitations on screen time can help prevent feelings of insecurity, anxiety or behavioral problems, while simultaneously encouraging better and more restful sleep.
Thirdly, ensuring your family’s safety is always the top priority and experts recommend using parental locks and monitoring social media platforms. Furthermore, turning off cameras and limiting permissions ensure tablets, computers, or phone screens are never vulnerable to being hacked.
Set Boundaries
Lastly, set healthy boundaries such as the aforementioned limitations on screen time, or setting a time every day for everyone to unplug and be present with one another. This creates a healthy and stable environment, in which families can spend time together and create lasting memories.