These phones! These phones we love and cannot ignore- even while eating.
I was rushing out of a morning train (to work) and in front – a young dude, trousers hanging, revealing underpants, watched a film, walking as if injured; blocking my way and others behind.
Gently, tapped the chap- he turned abruptly-with an expression keen to return to whatever was more important than obstructing a busy pathway.
London is a city of speed and non stop motion.
This brief scene is common. People watching long programs on their gadgets as the walk. Dangerous!
Last fortnight, London’s Daily Mail reported: “Boy, 11, walked into path of train “while distracted by video on new iPhone.”
The secondary school student died immediately after being knocked – at a high risk level crossing in South London.
DISTRACTED.
This distraction used to be only linked to motorists. Loss of focus. Fatal accidents. Worldwide stats argue that the age group with the highest number of accidents attributed to distracted driving are between 20 to 29 years.
As for phone use “while walking”, young people are the most affected because they use them ALL THE TIME.
Almost all UK teenagers (97% of13-15 year olds) own a phone. Figures released in May 2026 by Of-Com (approved regulator of communication) also say “children are using devices younger than ever…” and that “a majority of children under the age of two already use screens.”
Phones have become the baby sitter for parents. Glass screens damage children’s psychological growth.
Traditional “off line” activities (playing outside, using hands and making tools, like how my generation made bicycles from wood and twigs) are no longer popular in developed nations.
Research by McGill University says China has the highest rate of phone use addiction. Sell Cell (USA price analyst), tells us 70% of minors in China, own smart phones. No wonder restrictions introduced to hinder internet access for minors under 18 from 10 PM to 6AM.
How about Africa?
Varies. Tanzania is only 3% (wealthy classes, probably) 13 % Ethiopia, and 40% in South Africa basically secondary students tend to be the starting point; with Botswana said to have 84%…
Ironically, good news. Children in poor and developing countries cannot afford mobile phones. They still play outdoors, subsequently-NOT-glued to screens, like future zombies.
