Why meal-time screens are dangerous than you think? And what we can do about it?
by Jerin Jacob
One thing, my family has been following since my son was born - no screens while eating. Same rule applies to his parents as well.
He is around 6 years-old now in 2025.
But recently, a month back when we he visited his grand-parents, he has picked-up this new (yet bad) habit for eating while watching mobile (if not given, he will somehow convinces his mother to have TV on).
Before I share how we fixed this bad habit, let me share the dangers behind eating while watching a screen. This is equally applicable for both children & their parents.
Danger 1: Lack of Self-Control
When children watch screens and eat they don't listen to the body's natural signals like: 'we are full' or 'we are not hungry'.
This may cause the children to have obesity issues in childhood and it can even extend to the their adulthood.
Studies say: Kids who eat while watching screens are 1.2–1.3 times more likely to become obese.
Danger 2: Not Able Enjoy Food
Just like children learn the letter names like ABCs and numbers like 123, they have to learn the names of foods and experience its different tastes.
When they watch screens and eat, they will open their mouth mechanically and won't get to feel the true essence of healthy food.
Danger 3: Disconnection with Family
If you ask ChatGPT or Google AI Mode, you will get lots of other reasons... But when I think about the most important thing a child should experience is...
... to have a family dinner (or any family meal-time) together.
So if children and parents are not having food together without screens, those children miss-out on many growth opportunities like communication, sharing and unconditional love.
Now back to our story, how we are tackling my son's recent excitement with screen during mealtime. As parents, we need to show leadership in such situations, the simple way to solve is this.
Have a family rule, today onwards, you can't have screens while eating.
Initially our children might throw some tantrums, but when they realize the family rule cannot be changed. Then they will settle.
That time, you can jump in and make that family-time more exciting than any screens would, by choosing to do the below things:
1. Tell an interesting story. My son loves FEELY's stories.
2. Ask compassionately about their school-time but don't probe, they don't like it.
3. Even silently cherish your food, that's a good thing child can model.
4. Move everyone's smartphones from the dining room. So that parents can be more present.
Good luck, enjoy that meal with your family without any distractions.
Hope today's screen-free challenge on meal-time has been of value to you!
P.S. Next challenge in the upcoming blog posts.
P.S.S. In case you like this article share with one parent whom you think love this. Sharing is caring!
