It’s a familiar scene: you walk into the bathroom, phone in hand. You might scroll through social media, answer a text message or watch a YouTube video. Perhaps you even take your phone with you when you go to the toilet.

But have you ever stopped to think about the potential risks of using your phone in the bathroom?.

The germ factor

First, let’s talk about the obvious: bathrooms are not the cleanest places. There are plenty of germs around, and when we use our phones in the bathroom, we risk bringing those germs into contact with our devices.

Think about it: when you flush the toilet, tiny droplets of water can spray up to six feet away. That means that any bacteria or viruses present in the toilet bowl or on its surfaces can become airborne and potentially land on your phone.

Even if you don’t actually touch anything in the bathroom, simply being in the same room can expose your phone to unpleasant bacteria.

Our phones typically have around ten times more bacteria on them than a toilet seat, according to a study by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Keeping it clean

Of course, you can always clean your phone regularly to minimize the risk of germs. But not everyone does, and even those who do might not be doing it correctly.

Using harsh cleaning products could damage your phone, and many experts recommend avoiding alcohol-based solutions as they can strip away the protective coating on your phone’s screen.

One alternative is to use a UV light sanitizer, which can kill most bacteria and viruses on your phone’s surface. However, these can be expensive and may not be practical for everyone.

Another solution is to simply avoid bringing your phone into the bathroom altogether. Yes, it might take a bit of getting used to, but it could be worth it for your health.

The distraction factor

Beyond the germ factor, there’s also the issue of distraction. We live in a society where we’re constantly connected to our devices, and it can be difficult to switch off.

Being on your phone in the bathroom can become a habit, and before you know it, you could be spending more time in there than you really need to.

Plus, if you’re going to the toilet, you should be focusing on that task – not on your phone. Using your phone on the toilet can actually make it harder to go, as your brain is distracted by the stimulation of your device.

So, what’s the solution? Put your phone down and concentrate on the task at hand. You might find that you’re able to go more quickly and efficiently, without the need for any distractions.

The privacy factor

Lastly, there’s the issue of privacy. We all need to use the toilet, but most of us would rather not broadcast that fact to the world.

By using your phone in the bathroom, you’re potentially exposing your private habits to anyone who happens to overhear your conversation or read your messages.

Plus, if you’re using a public bathroom, you might be putting others around you in an uncomfortable position. Nobody wants to be subjected to someone else’s phone conversation while they’re trying to go about their own business.

Conclusion

Using your phone in the bathroom might seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually be detrimental to your health and wellbeing.

From the risk of germs to the issue of distraction and privacy, there are plenty of reasons to reconsider bringing your phone into the bathroom with you.

Of course, we’re not suggesting that you need to give up your phone entirely – just that you should be mindful about when and where you’re using it.

Try leaving it outside the bathroom, or only using it before or after your trip to the toilet. Your health (and the health of those around you) will thank you.