The South West has been named the UK’s least phone-addicted region, with residents spending significantly less time on their smartphones than anywhere else in the country, according to new research.
Data released by TalkTalk found people in the region spend an average of two hours and 44 minutes a day on their phones, compared with a UK average of three hours and 18 minutes. London recorded the highest usage, with residents spending an average of four hours and 12 minutes a day on their devices.
The study examined what it describes as “micro-scrolling” – the habit of reaching for a phone during brief moments throughout the day.
Researchers found 45% of South West residents use their phones while watching television, slightly below the national average of 51%. However, 40% said they regularly use their phones to look something up at home, above the UK average of 35%.
Despite recording the lowest daily phone use of any UK region, the research suggests South West residents would still spend almost seven and a half years of their lives on their devices based on current habits.
The survey also found 30% of people in the region said picking up their phone at home had become “second nature”, while 87% said they do not set screen time limits.
Nationally, the research found 78% of Britons instinctively reach for their phones to fill short gaps in their day, with 62% of all phone use taking place at home. Nearly five million people admitted they could not wait for a kettle to boil without checking their handset.
The most common locations for at-home scrolling were found to be the sofa while relaxing, the sofa while watching television and in bed at night.
Steve Wallage, chief product officer at TalkTalk, said: “We all know how easy it is to find ourselves scrolling on autopilot, especially when we’re just looking to fill a spare few moments at home.
“Our data shows we are spending nearly a decade of our lives lost in these unconscious screen moments, and it is happening right in our living rooms where we’re often already streaming or gaming.
“These simple tips and digital tools like HomeSafe will help our customers log off second and third devices more easily, reclaim some offline time, and ensure their home Wi-Fi is performing at its best when and where they really need it.”
The findings are based on an online survey of 2,000 UK smartphone owners commissioned by TalkTalk and carried out by market research company OnePoll.
For more information about managing screen time, visit https://www.talktalk.co.uk/broadband/security.
