Bristol ranks among UK’s top cities for screen time, with residents spending nearly 4 hours a day on their phones

Bristol has emerged as one of the UK’s top cities for screen time, with residents spending an average of 3.84 hours a day on their phones—above than the national average of 3.41 hours. And while phones keep us connected, informed, and entertained, many Bristolians are beginning to feel the strain of constant connectivity.

The L&G poll surveyed people across the UK, delving into the nation’s relationship with their devices, revealing just how much time we spend on our phones, the impact of screen time on daily life and whether Brits are ready to switch off.

Over a third (44%) of people in Bristol say they want to cut back on their phone use, highlighting a growing desire to reclaim time and focus. The impacts of excessive screen time are also being felt deeply in personal relationships too, 60% admit that their phone use has, to some extent, strained their romantic relationships, while 54% say it has affected friendships, and 59% report it has impacted family ties.

The pressure to be constantly connected is particularly pronounced among younger generations. A striking 85% of Gen Z reported feeling the need to be ‘always available’ via messaging or social media, compared to 43% of men and 62% of women overall.

This digital dependency also extends into face-to-face interactions. More than half of Gen Z (52%) admitted to frequently using their phones during social settings, such as meals and gatherings, highlighting the challenge of balancing online and offline engagement.

Striking a balance: the benefits of smartphones

L&G’s research also found smartphones can play a key role in maintaining relationships and staying informed. With 65% stating that smartphones help them stay connected with family and friends, and 40% using them to access news and information.

Finding a healthy balance with our phones requires a mindful approach.

Here are some tips for learning to live with our phones while maintaining a connection to the rest of our lives:

• Disable notifications: Those constant ‘pings’ are a clear distraction. Turn off app notifications or use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature to regain focus.
• Phone-free zones: Keep your phone out of the bedroom to help improve your sleep quality and ensure a more restful night.
• Monitor your usage: Check your smartphone's usage data and set goals for how much time you spend on your phone. Maybe even reward yourself for hitting targets!
• Take regular breaks: Schedule time away from your phone to move around and refresh, improving both your productivity and overall wellbeing.
• Review your apps: Identify which apps are taking up most of your attention, whether it's games or social media, and consider deleting the ones that no longer serve you.