Does use of a mobile phone attract lightning?

EMF myths FAQ

Does use of a mobile phone attract lightning?

It is well known that electric charge-bearing clouds discharge their energy to Earth through the closest conductor to the ground, whether a lamppost, electricity pylon, tree, building or person. The probability of a person being struck by a thunderbolt is very small, particularly in places where there are buildings, poles, trees etc.

Mobile phones, whether or not in use, are not instrumental in exposing people to lightning strikes during rain or thunderstorms. Nevertheless, people should not move about during thunderstorms in places where there are no elevated structures to conduct electricity, such as open country and desert, as they may be exposed to lightning strikes, which often hit the structures or bodies closest to them on the ground.