Children these days aren’t likely to go on holiday without their smartphones but if they’re not careful, they won’t be coming home with them either, as a major mistake is revealed
We can all picture the scene. Sun, sea, sun and a good helping of smartphones on every beach, sun lounger and hotel lobby. Yes, we’re all guilty of not being far from our phones – and children are no better – but not being careful with it will cost them, and you.
We all rely on our smartphones to keep us connected, informed, and entertained throughout the day – even with a pool in front of us. Being away from home and our usual hang outs means that we pick up different habits than at home like leaving your phone lying about anywhere.
And it’s precisely this mistake that’s leading to breakages, made worse on holiday by the varying extreme temperatures.
READ MORE: ‘I was delighted when my children found sweet hidden message in Disney theme park’
Both hot and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on your phone’s battery and one expert advises how best to take care of your precious phone when on a trip away. “Avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight, in a hot car, or next to a heat source whilst it’s charging.
“Similarly, don’t leave it in very cold environments for extended periods. Aim to keep your phone at room temperature whenever possible, especially during charging.”
This means taking car on long journeys, by the pool and too close to freezing cold air conditioning units inside hotels.
But when it comes to looking after your children’s phones in general, Hommer Zhao from Our PCB (www.ourpcb.com), a manufacturer, reveals that parents should know about even more common mistakes that could damage or shorten the lifespan of their children’s devices.
Letting your phone drain to 0% regularly
While it’s tempting to use your phone until the battery is completely drained, this can actually reduce your battery’s overall capacity over time. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most modern smartphones, don’t respond well to being fully depleted. Instead, try to keep your battery between 20% and 80% for optimal long-term health.
Using your phone whilst it’s charging
It’s a common habit to continue using your phone whilst it’s plugged in, but this can lead to overheating, which is one of the biggest enemies of battery life. When you use your phone for demanding tasks like gaming or video streaming whilst it’s charging, it generates excess heat that can damage the battery. Make it a habit to let your phone charge undisturbed, and give it a break whilst it’s plugged in.
Charging your phone overnight
Many of us plug in our phones before bed and leave them charging overnight. However, this can lead to overcharging, which can reduce your battery’s capacity over time. Once your phone reaches 100%, it’s best to unplug it. If you need to charge overnight, invest in a smart charger that automatically stops charging once your phone is full.
Using unofficial or cheap chargers
It can be tempting to buy a cheap, off-brand charger when you need a replacement, but this can be a false economy. Unofficial chargers often don’t have the same safety features and quality control as branded ones, and they can deliver inconsistent voltage that can damage your phone’s battery and even pose a safety risk. Always use chargers from reputable brands or the original manufacturer.
Zhao explained: “A smartphone is one of the most relied-upon devices for many people, so it’s crucial to take care of its battery. By avoiding common charging mistakes and adopting proactive measures, users can extend their phone’s battery life and ensure it’s ready when needed.”
And he offered sneaky tips for teenagers on the go.
“Even the best charging hardware can be compromised by poor habits. Simple steps like reducing screen brightness, closing unused apps, and turning off features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use can make a significant difference.
“Developing a mindful charging routine that promotes long-term battery health is key to getting the most out of a smartphone and avoiding the frustration of a dead battery at a critical moment.”
READ MORE: Nobody’s Child spring dresses try-on: A jeans lover orders four new-in midis
