Tech at the Dinner Table

Mealtime Etiquette: Keep Your Tech in Check at the Table?

May 19, 2010

Some families use meals to connect with one another and others eat while staying connected. Smartphones, iPads, and laptops find their way to dinner tables that were once reserved for conversation and nourishment. Even when mom and dad take their darlings out to eat, they may turn on a movie to entertain the kiddos so the parents can eat in peace. What's your take on mealtime technology use?

Source: Flick User divemasterking2000

7 Comments

Sarana 3 years 3 days

Keep technology away from the table, I think it's really rude to check your phone during dinner or even coffee with friends! The other day I was at a ballet and some parents brought their little girl who was playing on her nintendo! I hate it when people don't think of other people around them.

phatE 3 years 3 days

i think it depends on the situation. i think if you allow this constantly, then don't expect children to act any different when they are older and texting. however, if you're out to dinner with friends who don't have children - having something as backup for them to entertain themselves with is totally appropriate.

3 years 4 days

Definitely keep the technology away from the table!!! Conversation and social skills are becoming a lost art. We need to be teaching children how to engage in polite conversation...they already know how to engage their technology.

starbucks 3 years 5 days

I would like in enforce the 'no phones at the table' rule in our home...Too bad my boyfriend thinks it's a stupid rule and I'm being to stiff about these things. It has nothing to do with being stiff, I think it's just rude to check facebook while eating dinner!

jenni5 3 years 5 days

The iPhone is our saviour sometimes when we are out with the kids (since they usually finish super quick). Nobody talks or texts during mealtime though.

MartiniLush 3 years 5 days

When we go out with friends who don't have kids, if we are lingering over after dinner drinks and dessert, I let my son play a game or two on my iPhone. But never DURING dinner!

skigurl 3 years 5 days

It's disrespectful to your children, your family, any dining companion to be on your phone, blackberry etc. while at the table (except under extreme circumstances, or for example if you need the phone on the table because you're out on the town and your kids are with a babysitter or something) but generally, for family dinners, it's pretty rude regardless to be connected!

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