Parents on Devices During Meals: A Growing Trend in Family Dinners
Parents are on devices during meals – In today’s fast-paced world, many parents are increasingly caught up in digital distractions during family meals, often surpassing their children in screen time. A study of over 350 families reveals that more than 75% of parents use smartphones while eating, compared to nearly 70% of children aged 4 to 10. This trend highlights a shift in family dynamics, where shared meals are becoming less about connection and more about scrolling through social media or work emails. As experts stress the importance of undivided attention, the question remains: how can families reclaim the value of mealtime in a digital-first culture?
Why Parents’ Screen Time Outpaces Their Children’s
The JAMA Pediatrics study underscores that parents’ device habits are often driven by external pressures, such as work deadlines, parenting responsibilities, or the need to stay connected with colleagues. While children may be drawn to games or videos, parents tend to prioritize tasks that demand immediate attention. “The pull of notifications is strong, especially for adults juggling multiple roles,” explained Dr. Margie Skeer, a public health professor at Tufts University. She emphasized that parents’ screen use during meals not only limits their engagement with kids but also sets a precedent for how technology influences family interactions.
“Parents who spend more time on devices during meals are unintentionally modeling the very behavior they wish to break in their children.”
Garibay, who co-authored the study, noted that while time constraints are real, they don’t justify the erosion of meaningful family time. “A family dinner should be a sanctuary for connection, not a battlefield for distractions,” she said. Parents’ reliance on screens during meals may unintentionally expose children to content that’s not age-appropriate, such as advertisements, news, or social media posts, altering their perception of the world before they even leave the table.
The Emotional Toll of Distracted Mealtime
Dr. Anne Fishel, director of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Family and Couples Therapy Program, pointed out that the emotional benefits of family dinners depend on shared focus. “When parents are on devices, children may feel ignored or dismissed,” she said in an email. “This can create a sense of instability, as they’re not sure if the meal is a priority for their caregivers.” The study’s findings align with this view, suggesting that meals with consistent engagement foster emotional security and open communication channels that are often absent in distracted environments.
According to the research, children who frequently eat with parents on devices are more likely to develop poor communication skills and reduced empathy. “These early experiences shape how kids perceive relationships and trust,” Garibay added. “If the adults in their lives are constantly disengaged, it sends a message that connection is secondary to productivity.” The impact is even more pronounced in households where screens dominate the dinner table, creating a ripple effect on children’s social and emotional development.
Strategies to Reclaim Family Time
To counteract this trend, experts recommend intentional strategies to reduce digital interruptions. One approach is designating “tech-free” zones during meals, encouraging parents to put their devices away or switch to a “quiet mode.” Another is setting a routine where meals are reserved for conversation and reflection, rather than multitasking. “Even small changes, like using the table as a place to connect rather than a task list, can make a difference,” Skeer said. “It’s about creating habits that prioritize presence over performance.”
Additionally, families can introduce activities that foster engagement, such as storytelling, board games, or shared meals with a specific theme. These practices not only mitigate the effects of digital distractions but also reinforce the idea that mealtime is a unique opportunity for bonding. “By making meals a ritual, parents can signal to children that this time is sacred and deserves attention,” Fishel added. The goal is to shift the culture of family dinners from one of passive consumption to active participation, ensuring that screens take a backseat to human connection.
