I wanted to write a nice entry paragraph on how smartphones are a common commodity nowadays, that they are an important part of everyone’s life and how they need to be protected or one can face losing what is basically another body part, but I reckon that everyone already knows all that jazz. Instead, I will skip the introduction and just give you guys and girls a few tips on how to keep your iPhones, Huaweis, Samsungs and Nokias from getting physically damaged, so that you can call, text, browse and play on your mobiles to your heart’s content.

1. Be sure to know where your phone is. Hey, I never said these are groundbreaking pieces of advice, okay? Anyway, even more durable smartphones are still fragile pieces of electronics, and can be broken easily. Don’t keep them in your pockets, or they will overheat; don’t keep them in your backpockets or you will sit on them and potentially break them; don’t keep them in your bags if you plan on throwing them around (looking at you schoolkids here). NEVER put them down on the floor, maybe except when you’re going to bed – stepping on your new Samsung Galaxy S8 is the stupidest way of losing hundreds of dollars.

2. Buy a decent case. I will admit that I’m a hypocrite here, since I still haven’t bought one for my Motorola. Then again, I don’t take it out often in public, so I guess I don’t risk too much. Still! You guys almost certainly use your phones much more often than I do, often on the walk. It would be stupid if you accidentally dropped your handhelt on the pavement and broke it, right? Spend a few dollars on a case and armour up your phone.

3. Buy a screen protector. Pretty much ditto, plus you wouldn’t want your pretty screen to get all scratched, right?

4. Keep it away from water. Taking bath with your smartphone may be a ”Like a lord” kind of thing to do, but seriously, don’t. Even if your smartphone has waterproof certificate, why take a chance? Get a book instead, or just lie down with only your thoughts. Take a moment to think. You also might want to hold off using your handheld in rain or taking it to particulary wild parties.

So yeah, there it is, a bit of advice on how to keep your smartphone safe from bodily harm. Follow it or don’t, but you’re doing so at your own (and your device’s) peril.