A new survey by Compare and Recycle reveals that 34% of UK children struggle to eat meals without a screen, highlighting the deep integration of smartphones into daily routines. The study also found that 21% of parents use screens to keep children occupied when dining out, while 18% allow screen use during meals to encourage eating.
Paediatric occupational therapist Olivia Hodges warns of potential long-term developmental consequences, stating that screens distract children from the sensory experience of eating, which is crucial for developing oral motor skills and social interaction. She notes that children may miss out on learning about food and family conversation.
Previous research by The Week Junior supports these concerns, showing that only 32% of families with children aged 8–16 eat together daily, and a quarter of those do not talk during meals. Hodges recommends a 'no-screens-at-the-table' rule and suggests pre-mealtime activities like crawling or animal walks to help children regulate and prepare for eating.
Antonia Hristov, Head of Marketing at Compare and Recycle, acknowledges the challenges of parenting in a digital age but emphasises the importance of mindful device use. She encourages families to substitute screen time with intentional activities like shared meals to support developmental milestones.
