Picture being at a lovely restaurant with your family, the aroma of freshly food wafting through the air, laughter echoing from the next table — and then you look around.
Your partner is checking emails, your teenager is deep into a TikTok rabbit hole, and your youngest is watching YouTube with the volume suspiciously low (a telltale sign of mischief). Sound familiar?
In an era where our phones are practically glued to our hands, it’s become all too easy to be physically present but mentally checked out.
So, how do we reclaim quality time with family and friends?
Here’s why and how you should set those screens aside when it matters most.
First, let’s talk about why disconnecting from devices during meals and special occasions is so important.
Studies show that excessive screen time can interfere with face-to-face interactions, reduce empathy and even contribute to stress and anxiety.
Plus, let’s be honest — nothing kills a heartfelt moment quite like someone literally live-streaming it.
Time spent with loved ones is precious.
Whether it’s a birthday dinner, a casual Sunday barbecue, or a big wedding celebration, these are the moments we remember.
Do you really want to look back and realise you spent half the night scrolling Instagram instead of laughing at Uncle Barry’s ridiculous dance moves? (Okay, maybe that one deserved to be filmed.)
So, how do we convince everyone — especially kids and teens — to put their devices away?
Here are a few strategies that might do the trick:
Make it a house rule: Declare dinner time a screen-free zone.
No phones, no tablets, no distractions.
The basket challenge: Place a bowl or basket in the centre of the table and have everyone deposit their devices before eating.
First person to grab their phone has to do the dishes. Suddenly, no one’s in a rush.
Lead by example: If you’re constantly checking your own phone, your kids will take that as a green light to do the same.
Show them that conversation, eye contact and a good old-fashioned joke are still cool.
Make it fun: Turn screen-free time into a game. Whoever lasts the longest without reaching for their phone gets to pick the next family outing (Just an idea).
Create tech-free traditions: Instead of staring at screens, start traditions that encourage interaction.
Board games, storytelling, even a simple “highs and lows of the day” conversation can spark genuine connection.
Life moves fast, and the last thing we want is to miss out on the moments that truly matter because we were too busy refreshing our feeds.
So, next time you sit down to dinner or head out for a special occasion, put the phone down, look up, and be present.
Trust me — your notifications will still be there when you get back, but the memories you create in real-time?
Those are priceless, and remain with you forever.
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