Arizona Study Finds 77.6% of Parents Use Media at Dinner, Outpacing 68.7% of Children
Updated
Updated · FOX 29 Philadelphia · Jun 16
Arizona Study Finds 77.6% of Parents Use Media at Dinner, Outpacing 68.7% of Children
3 articles · Updated · FOX 29 Philadelphia · Jun 16
Summary
357 parents surveyed for a University of Arizona study reported heavier mealtime media use by adults than children, with 77.6% of parents and 68.7% of children using devices during dinner.
Smartphones were the most common distraction for parents, followed by viewing on large and small screens; children most often watched on larger or smaller screens, with smartphone use lower in a group averaging 6.6 years old.
JAMA Pediatrics published the study, whose authors said device-driven interruptions can reduce the attention and parental guidance children receive during meals.
The researchers tied that concern to earlier findings that regular family meals support healthier eating and better well-being, and said the results could inform future pediatric guidance on mealtime media use.