Smartphone overuse affecting family bonds, healthy usage habits key: Vivo exec

In an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, Channana said that to curb the excessive use of smartphones, building awareness is vital. “Once there is awareness, we need to start building the habit of using those options. For example, if asked to switch off your phone now, you may hesitate, even if it’s late at night or a specific time. On December 20th, we want to tell people it’s possible to switch off for a while. It’s about inculcating this habit,” he said.

Concerns about overuse

The study also sheds light on how smartphone usage is a matter of concern. As many as 94 per cent of parents said that they are worried about their children’s mental health, while 91 per cent admitted that they want to limit the amount of time their children spend looking at phones. 

It also stated that around 73 per cent of children complained to their parents about their excessive smartphone use. This meant that even when parents were spending time with their children, they were often distracted by their smartphones. 

“It’s common to see groups of friends or families sitting together but absorbed in their devices rather than engaging in conversations. Phones offer useful tools, but real life matters more. We need to set aside devices when with others to focus on building relationships. By being fully present, we can foster true connections,” explained Channana

91 per cent of children said that they feel lonelier than ever since their parents spend most of their time looking at the screen. (Image Source: Vivo)

While Google and smartphone manufacturers have taken steps to reduce and limit usage with features like Digital Wellbeing, smartphone usage remains unusually high in Indian households.

When asked about measures to reduce excess smartphone usage, Channana said, “This is more of an awareness issue than a lack of options. Once aware, we can start building habits around existing tools. For example, many would hesitate to switch off their phone even late at night or for a few hours. In essence, it begins with awareness, then cementing improved habits over time.”

Excessive use of smartphones is not only impacting relationships negatively, it also seems to be leading to loneliness among children. According to the study, about 91 per cent of children said that they felt lonelier than ever as their parents were mostly spending time on their phones. As many as 93 per cent of parents and children said that the quality of their relationships also deteriorated over time.

According to Channana, true connections require full attention. “It’s best to eliminate distractions to be present in the moment, whether with people or activities. Even dietitians recommend switching off screens during meals for this reason,” he quipped. 

Other key stats

Based on the study, on average, parents and children spend around two hours together, but even during that time, about 75 per cent said that they used their smartphones during these shared moments. Interestingly, parents spend an average of 7.7 hours per day with smartphones, which is around 1.2 hours more than that of children. A majority of respondents admitted that their phone is the first and last thing they see before sleeping and after waking up.

When asked about what Vivo is doing to address the issue of smartphone addiction, Channana said that they have roped in the renowned author Catherine Price, known for books like ‘How to Break Up with Your Phone’ as a knowledge partner to develop a survey to see how users are impacted by smartphone overuse. 

“Shutting down our devices, even briefly, can help nurture a habit of regular disconnection. Setting aside screens makes room for meaningful engagement with loved ones, which ultimately strengthens our relationships. Though it may seem small, taking one tech-free hour can profoundly improve our connections and overall well-being,” concluded Channana. 

As a part of its initiative to curtail the excessive use of smartphones, Vivo is asking people to participate in its Switch Off Day on December 20, 2023. Users will be required to turn off their smartphones for an hour and be prompted to spend quality time with their family and loved ones.