Over 40% of Bulgarians use mobile devices for more than 4 hours a day, and for half of them this time even exceeds 6 hours, according to a national survey conducted by research agency Arbitrage on behalf of mobile operator Yettel among 600 to respondents aged 15-60, Yettel said in a report Tuesday.

Habits (41%) and the nature of work tasks (37% of respondents) were identified as the main reasons for heavy use of mobile devices.

About a third of respondents have tried to reduce their screen time. The factor that helps the most in this situation is communication with loved ones - 62% admitted that when they spend time with their families and friends, they don't feel the need to reach for their smartphone, the report said.

Just over a third of survey participants use their mobile devices between 2 and 4 hours a day, 22% admitted their screen time is between 4-6 hours and 20% spend more than 6 hours of the day. Only 4% have a phone in their hand for less than 1 hour a day. The largest percentage of people using smartphones and other devices for more than 4 hours a day falls in the 35-44 and 15-24 age groups, the mobile operator said./BTA/