The Hang-Up

I quit my smartphone and I've never been happier

- Bryony Halpin

WHEN I GOT my first smartphone over a decade ago, I loved it. It gave me instant access to my music, a world of information, and thousands of photos and videos. But over time, I became increasingly ambivalent about its role in my life. I would repeatedly refresh my email, shop online for stuff I didn't need, and constantly scroll through the latest bad news. I'd often complain to my husband and to my seven-year-old son, Louis, that I felt trapped by it.

So I began to research studies on the mental-health effects of smartphone use. I discovered that smartphones are linked with anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality, especially among younger people. Unsurprisingly, they also impact your ability to parent responsively and to remain in the present moment with your kids.

Then, one-day last summer, while I was playing with Louis, I was once again distracted by dings and pings. He finally echoed my complaints about my smartphone back to me, but rephrased them as a plea: "Mommy, just give it up already!"

I decided to try. Instead of going cold turkey-no cellphone at all—I bought a flip phone and cell plan for $30 a month. With no touch screen, texting is time-consuming. I can't access email, music, or social media and don't even try browsing the web without a touch screen. While the adjustment hasn't always been smooth sailing, it's easier than I thought it would be and the benefits are worth it.

I'M MORE CONNECTED IN MY RELATIONSHIPS