More than two million Swiss addicted to smartphones

Almost a third of people in Switzerland – more than two million people – show clear signs of smartphone addiction, according to a study.

A further 7% even show pronounced signs of so-called nomophobia, or mobile phone addiction, the price comparison website Comparis announced on Tuesday. Nomophobia refers to the fear or anxiety of being without a smartphone or a mobile connection. Almost all young people and adults in Switzerland own at least one device.

The report said 16- to 35-year-olds are affected by smartphone addiction at an above-average rate. Almost half of them show clear signs of nomophobia. According to the report, four in ten show clear signs and a further 8% show pronounced signs. Among 36- to 55-year-olds, just under a third show clear signs, and among those aged over 56, just under one in five.

More

More

Demographics

Most Swiss don’t fall asleep without their mobile phone

This content was published on

Oct 13, 2024


The mobile phone has replaced the book on most Swiss bedside tables. According to a survey conducted by Ikea, nearly 60% of them won’t go to sleep without their mobile. This rate soars to 79% among 18-39 year-olds.

Read more: Most Swiss don’t fall asleep without their mobile phone

While 37% of people in French-speaking Switzerland show clear signs of nomophobia, the figure is 28% in the German-speaking part of the country. The study found an even greater difference when it comes to individual symptoms. For example, 42% of French-speaking Swiss feel anxious at the thought of being without a smartphone for at least 24 hours. In German-speaking Switzerland, the figure is 29%.

The clear linguistic divide regarding mobile phone withdrawal reflects generally different digital usage habits. People in French-speaking Switzerland use social media and digital services significantly more intensively for information and entertainment than those in German-speaking Switzerland, said digital expert Jean-Claude Frick, interpreting the study’s findings.

More

More

Education

Phone bans in schools: why Swiss teachers are sceptical

This content was published on

May 5, 2026


Several cantons have tightened rules on smartphones in schools, although experts warn against simple solutions.

Read more: Phone bans in schools: why Swiss teachers are sceptical

For half of those surveyed, mobile phone dependency is most commonly manifested in constantly checking their smartphone so as not to miss any messages or calls. In second place, at 35%, is the stress felt when the smartphone is not carried, as reported by Comparis. Close behind (34%), respondents cited nervousness when the battery is low.

The survey was carried out by the market research institute Innofact on behalf of Comparis in September 2026. It involved 1,027 people aged 16-74 across all regions of Switzerland.

+ How we produce news in English
Translated from German, reviewed by an English Department journalist.