It’s been estimated that people touch their cell phones hundreds of times every day. That means plenty of opportunities for germs to move from our fingers to our phones. 【小题1】 But a recent study found more than 17,000 bacterial gene copies on the phones of high school students.

One of the worst places to use cell phones is in the bathroom. 【小题2】 Studies have found that our mobile phones are much dirtier than toilet seats. Just as an expert puts it, taking a phone into the bathroom and then leaving with it is kind of like going in, not washing your hands and then coming back out.

While many of us wash our hands regularly after going to the bathroom, we seldom consider washing our hands after touching our phones. 【小题3】 You can use alcohol-based wipes or sprays to clean your phone regularly. They need to contain at least 70% alcohol to disinfect phone casing s and touch screens. Do it every day if possible. Remember to sanitize (消毒) your phone charger occasionally when you are cleaning your phone. 【小题4】

【小题5】 Get in the habit of putting your phone away when it’s not in use, then cleaning your hands. When not at home, keep your phone in your pocket or bag. Use a disposable paper list of to-do items, rather than constantly consulting your phone.

Do not share your phone with others if you have not first sanitized it. If children are allowed to play with your phone, sanitize it as soon as possible afterward.