A really interesting read here from someone who doesn't own a smartphone. And (perhaps surprisingly) someone who appears connected, tech-savvy and sociable. News flash: IT IS POSSIBLE!

In this day and age, we are lost without our devices - and this does often play on my conscience, despite the fact I am as guilty as anyone of getting out my (brand new) iPhone the second I get bored. As several recent videos doing the rounds on social media (such as Look Up and I Forgot My Phone) highlight, there is so much of life to miss out on when your eyes are glued to a screen.

And what is the answer to this conundrum? Personally I think it all boils down to awareness of habits. Most of my friends, family, acquaintances all have similar short-term goals in life - eat less junk, save money, do more exercise etc... so why not add "spend less time on your smartphone?" to this list? It doesn't mean boycotting our precious little devices altogether - Google maps, The Trainline and BBC Weather will all still be there when you are in need of their services. But just getting your phone out to browse Twitter/Facebook/Instagram or have a quick game of 2048 at any spare moment is something we all should try to put a stop to. (This restaurant seems to have the right idea about things!)

As Kathleen Davis rightly highlights below, smartphones in themselves aren't inherently bad - it is how we use them that causes problems. By adopting healthy habits, we can still ensure we are getting the most out of our technology - without it getting in the way of our lives. And more importantly, ensure that future generations don't grow up only knowing entertainment to be found within a little black screen.