Technology is a significant part of our lives. Its evolution has offered us many benefits throughout time, but it also has its less pleasant effects. An example of this is the accidents caused by the use of smartphones.

Studies that include an analysis of cases in emergency rooms of the last 20 years show a considerable increase in problems generated by the use of phones.  Although many of the problems are minor - bruises or small cuts - there is a significant number of cases in which accidents were serious, such as fractures or injuries of internal organs. 

It has been shown that the number of accidents of this type has started to increase since 2007, the year when smartphones entered the market. Thus, young people between 13 and 29 years are most likely to suffer injuries due to the fact that their attention is distracted by the use of a smartphone. They have a higher chance of stumbling and falling, injuring their head or throat.  

One of the most dangerous aspects of using smartphones is their use at the wheel of a vehicle.  The lack of attention thus generated can lead to a large number of road accidents, many of which have fatal consequences. Therefore, the use of a mobile phone when driving is also called "the new way of driving under the influence of alcohol".

Tips for reducing time spent in front of your phone: 

1. Only allow notifications for phone calls and messages - social media notifications are meant to distract you and convince you to spend more time online.
2. Keep apps on the second page of your phone - keeping the apps on the homepage will give you the temptation to open them whenever you use your phone.
3. Do not use your phone before bedtime - using the phone before bedtime leads to poorer sleep quality. Also, checking notifications immediately after waking up will result in similar behaviour throughout the day.
4. Get involved in exciting activities - hobbies help you spend your free time in an interesting way, thus reducing your interest in the virtual environment.
5. Leave your phone at home - although it may seem drastic, even short periods of disconnection from the digital environment can improve your mood and have positive effects on your ability to concentrate or productivity.

Research shows that, on average, we use our phone 3 hours a day, sometimes even developing an addiction to it. Prolonged time and careless accidents do not only have a negative impact on the neck or head, but also on the brain.

It has been shown that every notification received generates a sense of pleasure. In other words, the brain releases dopamine, the pleasure hormone, every time the phone announces a notification, which can lead to addictive behaviour.  

In addition to reducing the time we spend using your mobile phone, another way to prevent the serious consequences of unforeseen events may be opting for a private health insurance policy, which can help you enjoy the best medical services in the country or abroad, in the event of such an accident.