The Role of Mobile Phones in Divorce

Have you ever checked your average daily screen time or noticed how often you pick up your phone? Many of us are surprised by just how much time we spend on our smartphones, often underestimating it until the figures prove otherwise.

Our phones serve numerous functions in our daily lives. They help us stay in touch with friends and family, manage work, shop online, and carry out various administrative tasks at any hour. While we can usually justify why we’re on our phones, we may not always recognise the impact on our close relationships.

Are Mobile Phones Damaging Your Relationship?

Studies suggest that heavy smartphone use can negatively affect relationships, increasing the likelihood of divorce. Research published in the journal Computers in Human Behaviour found that couples who used technology (including phones) excessively were more prone to conflict and reported lower relationship satisfaction.

Family therapist Luisa Williams agrees, noting that understanding why one partner uses their phone to excess can shed light on the quality of the marriage itself:

“In therapy, we often uncover the underlying reasons for excessive phone use. These can range from boredom in the relationship to avoidance of the partner, or even covering up an affair.”

Five Tips for Healthier Phone Habits

1. Begin Your Day Without Your Phone
   The first few minutes after waking set the tone for the rest of the day. Diving into the digital world as soon as you open your eyes can elevate stress levels. Develop a morning routine that doesn’t involve your phone.

2. Keep Your Phone Out of the Bedroom
   Bringing a phone into the bedroom reduces the likelihood of intimacy with your spouse. Consider using a traditional alarm clock and charging your phone elsewhere.

3. Set App and Communication Limits
   Identify the apps and times of day you use your phone the most. Then, establish boundaries or ‘downtime’ periods to control your usage and create a reliable switch-off point.

4. Disable Alerts and Notifications
   Notifications are designed to grab your attention. By switching them off, you can decide when to check your phone, rather than responding instantly to it.

5. Designate Phone-Free Zones and Times
   Agree on times and places where mobile use is off-limits—such as during meals, date nights, and family outings. Set a daily cut-off time for screens so you can focus on each other.

Ten Signs You May Be Overusing Your Phone

1. Checking your phone frequently, even without new notifications
2. Ignoring face-to-face conversation
3. Feeling anxious or uneasy when not using your phone
4. Neglecting important tasks or responsibilities and struggling to be productive
5. Spending less time on previously enjoyable hobbies
6. Instantly turning to social media to pass the time
7. Experiencing physical symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and neck pain
8. Having difficulty concentrating or paying attention
9. Feeling isolated or disconnected from others
10. Suffering disrupted sleep

Disconnect to Reconnect

Excessive phone use has been linked to relationship problems. Over time, such habits can become ingrained, so you may not realise just how much they’re affecting you and your spouse.

Even if you sense that phone use is harming your relationship, it can be tricky to identify whether the distance emerged first or whether the phone usage triggered it. In either case, spending time addressing underlying issues is crucial. Understanding the root causes of heavy phone reliance can help you tackle problems and restore your relationship’s health.

If you believe professional support would help you or your partner get to the bottom of excessive phone use, consider reaching out for guidance. Allocating less time to the digital world can ultimately strengthen your connection with your spouse.

How HM & Co. Solicitors Can Help

At HM & Co. Solicitors, we recognise that every relationship is unique, and factors such as heavy smartphone use can contribute to marital breakdown. Our experienced team is here to guide you through all aspects of family law, including divorce and separation. If you need support or advice, please get in touch:

HM & Co. Solicitors
186 Lower Road
Surrey Quays
London SE16 2UN

Telephone: 02071128180
Email: info@hmsolicitorsltd.com

We are committed to offering clear, compassionate advice, ensuring you have the knowledge and support needed to navigate the complexities of modern relationships and divorce.