Smart phones at the dining table

Morning Glory

Morning Glory

Obsessive cook
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There's been a lot of debate in the UK and elsewhere about the use of smart phones and the effect they are having on social interactions and also children's development. Its a huge debate of course, which spans all sorts of political and social issues. But I thought I'd ask a simple food related question.

How do you feel about people using smart phones at the dining table, at home or in restaurants? Is there a case for allowing your young child to play on their smart phone so you can get a moments peace to eat? Is it OK to check your phone for messages when dining with others?
 
SoCalZone10 said:
It’s not sad, it’s part of this new generation. However, I must say, my children, don't use the phone when they drive, very dangerous around here. So at least I’m glad about that.
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Its against the law here to use it when driving.

So, if you eat with your grown up children, you don't ask them to refrain from using their phones?
 
Morning Glory said:
Its against the law here to use it when driving.

So, if you eat with your grown up children, you don't ask them to refrain from using their phones?
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No, I’m not strict like that. But they do sit until all of us finish our meal before they get up, something I never ask them, but they did on their own.
 
I know it’s against the law here but they did it before the law was passed. Also I still see people driving and looking or texting on their phones, no wonder the driving here has been atrocious, people run over stop sign and red light. Do you notice the same in the UK?
 
Sometimes you have to use your phone in restaurants that have those damnable QR codes instead of actual paper menus. Beyond that, sometimes you're reading up on the new place you're in or sharing photos or stories with others at the table, so no issue there. But it's weird when you see whole tables of people with their heads in their phones and not talking.
 
I had a no tech at the table rule from the very outset and my children would automatically put their phones away.
I’m sure meal times would have been quieter with the tech but from my POV that is precisely the point, noise and banter and sharing the details of your day are the way we connect and support each other.

There also was never a tv in the kitchen for that reason.
But now they’re grown and we seem to spend more time at the table not eating and just being with each other it’s morphed more into a no phones once the foods on the table (unless its to find a photo or the like to show everyone).

Only recently I said I think the now you’re adults the no tech at the table rule can go.
They were most put out about it. The idea they might have something to say and maybe no-one would be listening didn’t go down at all well. So it’s staying and that’s their choice.
Having everyones full care and attention for whatever the current problem or tale is obviously makes a difference.
I’m happy with that.
 
What others do, I really don’t care, but I’m probably going to make a silent judgment or two.

For ourselves, we don’t unless we’re using them together, meaning we’re trying to answer a question that’s come up or something like.

One side of MrsT’s family, it’s all phone all the time - sister, grown children, and grandchildren. Her other sister, she’s bad with the phone, but her kids don’t allow their kids to use the phone at the table. It’s phones down.
 
TastyReuben said:
What others do, I really don’t care, but I’m probably going to make a silent judgment or two.

For ourselves, we don’t unless we’re using them together, meaning we’re trying to answer a question that’s come up or something like.

One side of MrsT’s family, it’s all phone all the time - sister, grown children, and grandchildren. Her other sister, she’s bad with the phone, but her kids don’t allow their kids to use the phone at the table. It’s phones down.
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I think when they were younger, mine did not use cell phones prolifically, so no cellphone activity at the dinner table, but now they are grown adults, it’s different, they don't have their heads on the cell phones all the time, but they do glance occasionally, especially when they are waiting for us to finish our meal.

Both of my kids have left the nest about 12-14 years. The minute they went to college they never intended to come home to live again, not even to live in the summer months. Financially they never asked for a penny, they are independent period.

However, there are exceptions, like this year, I did encourage one daughter to take a gap year, frankly I couldn’t stand LA, we barely visited her when she lived in one place for 7 years. She did close her business and took my advice, so now she’s back living at home while she’s mapping the next direction in her life.
 
SoCalZone10 said:
I know it’s against the law here but they did it before the law was passed. Also I still see people driving and looking or texting on their phones, no wonder the driving here has been atrocious, people run over stop sign and red light. Do you notice the same in the UK?
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I don't know if its so bad. It does happen though.
 
It’s against the law here, but it’s not really enforced. If you cause a wreck or run someone down, sure, they’ll check your phone and add that to the other charges you’re facing, but they’re not going to stop you for it here unless you’re holding your phone up and driving like an idiot.
 
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