New research from Vodafone reveals that in the current cost of living crisis 19.1% of Australians are living with smashed phone screens due to high repair costs. In response, the

Tasmanian residents are the most likely to have a smashed phone screen, with 27.8% reporting they don't repair their phone because it is too expensive. More than half of Australians (54.9%) have shattered their phone screens up to five times in the past year. Apple users are most affected by repair costs, with 35.2% spending up to $250, and almost 12% spending as much as $500 to fix their smashed phone screens.

Vodafone is introducing a $0 first screen replacement for customers who sign up to Vodafone Device Care at a cost of $14.99/month plus service fees. The top ways Aussies are smashing their phone screens include dropping their phone while taking it out of their pocket or bag (70%), texting or scrolling on social media (17%), snapping a pic (13%), having their phone screen stepped on or crushed (6%), dropping their phone while going for a run (6%), and having their kid drop and smash their phone (5%).

Tasmania (27.8%), South Australia (22.5%), Australian Capital Territory (21.7%), and New South Wales (21.6%) are the states most likely to not repair smashed phone screens because it is too expensive. Australian Capital Territory residents broke their phone screens the least in the last 12 months with only 35% reporting they'd broken it in the last 12 months, compared to over half of Queensland (55%) and the Northern Territory (78%) residents.

The survey was conducted in partnership with Pureprofile and included over 1,000 Australian participants who had broken their phone screen.

"For chronic screen smashers or those experiencing this phone-omenon for the first time, Vodafone Device Care will be $0 for your first screen replacement, so those looking to protect their phone can experience even greater peace of mind." said a Vodafone spokesperson. "With Vodafone Device Care, customers can leave the stress and exorbitant screen repair costs behind with access to phone screen replacements, and mobile phone exchanges for any reason," the spokesperson added.