Author blasts Aldi over 'phone holder' toilet roll stand claiming it encourages smartphone addiction

A campaigner against smartphone addiction has hit out at Aldi after spotting a toilet roll stand with a built-in shelf designed to hold a mobile phone.

Louisa Guise says she was stunned to find the unusual bathroom accessory on sale in the supermarket's middle aisle, arguing it sends the wrong message by encouraging shoppers to take their phones into the toilet.

The 39-year-old communications expert, who wrote How to Leave a Group Chat, believes the product reinforces society's growing dependence on smartphones and even raises hygiene concerns.

Louisa spotted the three-in-one freestanding toilet stand while shopping at Aldi's Vastern Road store in Reading, Berkshire. Alongside holders for toilet paper and a toilet brush, the stand also features a small tray intended for a smartphone.

She believes the design effectively encourages people to keep scrolling, even in the bathroom.

"I was shocked when I saw there was a dedicated place for a phone," she said.

"It's reinforcing the idea that we're all glued to our devices.

"It accommodates phone addiction, and that's something I think is irresponsible. We should be trying to reduce our reliance on smartphones, not designing products that make it easier to use them everywhere."

Louisa said the accessory also creates hygiene issues because people may handle their phones before washing their hands.

"People often say mobile phones carry more germs than a toilet seat, and products like this could be part of the reason," she said.

"If you're picking your phone up before washing your hands, that's obviously not ideal."

Although she admits she has occasionally taken her own phone into the bathroom, Louisa says retailers should instead encourage healthier habits.

"I think most people have done it at some point, and I'm guilty of it too," she admitted.

"For me it started because I didn't want to seem rude when I was out with people. If I wanted to check directions or look something up, I'd do it privately.

"But it's not a great habit, and I don't think products should encourage it."

Instead, she suggested supermarkets could sell products designed to keep phones out of bathrooms altogether.

"If anything, they should be selling something like a pouch that hangs on the bathroom door where you can leave your phone before you go in."

Louisa believes the popularity of products like the stand reflects just how attached modern society has become to smartphones.

"We're definitely obsessed with our phones," she said.

"They're convenient, they're addictive and they're always with us.

"If social media only existed on desktop computers, we'd use it in one place and then switch it off. We wouldn't carry it onto the train, into restaurants or into the toilet."

Despite her criticism, Louisa admitted she could also see the humorous side of the product.

"I did find it quite amusing," she said.

"It could be a funny novelty gift for someone who's always on their phone.

"I've got nothing against Aldi. I was simply surprised that a retailer would be selling something like this now, because it reflects how normal taking your phone into the toilet has become."

Aldi declined to comment.