LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERSNOMOPHOBIA
May 9, 2025
Level: Pre-intermediate (A2-B1)
Type of language: General English
Tags: Describing Feelings and Behavior; Science and Technology; Explaining and Speculating; Telephoning; Article Based; Prepositions; Vocabulary and Grammar; 13-15 Years Old; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 05/09/2025
Have you heard of nomophobia? This lesson talks about the extreme fear of being without your phone, or not being connected at all times. Students first do a quiz on the topic, then listen to a podcast with statistics about how dependent on our phones we have become, and the problems associated with that. After doing vocabulary and comprehension tasks on the podcast, they look at the different uses for the word so, and read a short text about nomophobia specifically. They then role-play a situation when they give advice and finish by discussing questions on the topic. (by Edward Alden)
- CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
- CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
- CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
- CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.
AUDIO TRANSCRIPT
Sophie: Hello, and welcome to the podcast Mental, where we talk about mental wellness. I'm Sophie, and with me today, as usual, is my co-host Mateo. First of all, have you turned off your phone, Mateo?
Mateo: Um, is it OK if I leave it on silent? I just feel a bit worried when I turn it off.
Sophie: Well, you're not alone, Mateo. That's exactly what we're talking about today: how we have grown too dependent on our phones. I've got some interesting statistics I would like to share with you today. For example, like you, Mateo, 40% of people never turn their phone off.
Mateo: Why would you? I mean, what if something happens?
Sophie: Not even at the theater, restaurants, places like that?
Mateo: I just leave it on silent.
Sophie: And do you look at it throughout the play or your dinner?
Mateo: I think so… but let's move on, Sophie! What other interesting statistics have you got?
Sophie: Did you know that 75% of users take their phones to the bathroom, and 12% use them in the shower?
Mateo: What?! I always take my phone with me, bathroom included, but shower? How does that even work?
Sophie: You're going to have to ask those 12%! Quick question, Mateo: would you rather go without chocolate for a week or your phone for a day?
Mateo: That's easy: chocolate.
Sophie: You and 62% of phone users. What about going without your phone or your voice for a day?
Mateo: That's a tricky one! I think I'd still rather have my phone.
Sophie: So would 40% of phone users. In fact, 11% would rather leave home without pants than without their phone!
Mateo: That's so crazy!
Sophie: How many times do you check your phone a day?
Mateo: I have no idea. A lot!
Sophie: The average user checks it around 80 times a day, but interacts with it about 2,600 times a day!
Mateo: What do you mean by ‘interacts’?
Sophie: When you click, swipe, tap, that kind of thing.
Mateo: Sounds about right. But what is so bad about all this anyway? I love my phone!
Sophie: Well, several things. For example, phone usage is the main reason why people are less productive at work. 55% of employees work less because of their phones. The problem gets worse with younger employees: 36% of Millennials say they look at their smartphones for personal activities for at least 2 hours each workday, so they're working much less than they should!
Mateo: Wow, that's a lot!
Sophie: Other situations are much more dangerous: 75% of adult smartphone users admitted having used it while driving. In fact, cell phones are responsible for 26% of accidents. That's more than drinking and driving.
Mateo: Yeah, I see your point. And I guess a lot of people feel too anxious about not having their phones?
Sophie: That's true. It can become a medical problem. There's even a name for it: Nomophobia. It comes from the words No Mobile Phone Phobia.
Mateo: That's clever.
Sophie: It's when you depend so much on your cell phone that it affects your social life, mental health and even your physical health.
Mateo: I see. So, what can we do to reduce our phone usage if we think it's a problem?
Sophie: Well… (volume decreasing)
Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/nomophobia. Accessed on June 9, 2025. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2025. All rights reserved.
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