Two thirds of parents find out more about their child’s life at the dinner table than any other time
TWO thirds of parents find out more about their child’s life at the dinner table than any other time.
A poll of 1,000 mums and dads of children aged six to 16 found 24 per cent find it difficult to have actual conversations with their families.
However, when it comes to mealtimes, 41 per cent claim this is the only time they feel they can properly connect with their children.
The most difficult topics that get discussed with the kids include emotions (37 per cent), school life (39 per cent) and friendships (39 per cent).
And 28 per cent find it more challenging to talk about experiences online than discussing their child's romantic relationships (25 per cent).
The study, commissioned by Tesco Mobile, also found that despite 74 per cent of parents believing their child’s safety online is very important, one in 10 admit they don’t know very much about what their child gets up to on there.
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Tesco Mobile has partnered with The Café to release a series of created by child psychologist, Dr Martha Deiros Collado, and online safety experts, Internet Matters.
Dr Martha Deiros Collado, whose advice can be accessed online or by scanning the QR code on 'table talkers' found in The Café, said: "When discussing online safety, approach it as a collaborative conversation - not an interrogation - by sharing your own experiences, listening without judgment, and validating their feelings.
"Regular family moments, like mealtimes, are ideal for normalising these discussions and building trust, so children feel safe navigating their digital lives.
"As a clinical psychologist and mother, I’ve seen how smartphones can impact young people’s mental health, both positively and negatively.
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"While cyberbullying and online harassment pose real risks, smartphones also offer teenagers valuable opportunities to build friendships, find support, and experience a sense of belonging.
"It’s essential to educate children on managing these risks while helping them gain the full benefits of the internet."
The study also found of those who believe mealtimes are a good occasion to have conversations with their child, 61 per cent feel it strengthens family bonds and connections.
Half (51 per cent) put it down to the lack of distractions, while 48 per cent think it's a safe space for them to express emotions.
And 51 per cent believe it's the routine and consistency which allows their child to open up more comfortably.
It also emerged 76 per cent don’t allow screens at the dinner table, with 96 per cent believing this helps the family conversation flow.
The advice comes at a crucial time, with the data revealing a fifth feel 'vulnerable' when thinking about keeping their child safe online.
And 55 per cent admit they know less about navigating the online world than their kids do.
Sally Marriott, CTO of Tesco Mobile, said: "As parents, we’re constantly navigating new challenges, and keeping children safe online is one of the most pressing.
“By bringing these discussions to the dinner table, we hope to help families with the difficulties they face when trying to broach challenging topics like this."
Raising awareness of the issue, the network has teamed up with singer, presenter, and mum of two, Frankie Bridge who, like most parents, finds it hard not to worry and have anxiety about her children - particularly when it comes to the digital world.
Frankie Bridge, whose oldest son Parker is off to senior school in September, said: "I do consider myself pretty internet savvy but when it comes to my kids, it’s a whole different world - their online lives are just so different from mine.
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“As a parent, it’s a bit overwhelming trying to balance all the things I’m worried about - like gaming, social media, all that stuff I don’t really get - while also remembering that, well, so much of what we do is online now.
"The good thing is these conversation starters really help me figure out where to begin that chat with them.”
