Game on for kids at restaurant

KIDS using smart phones and tablets in restaurants shouldn’t be condemned because they’re helping to ensure everyone has a good time, a new study shows.

Lead researcher Dr Hilary Davis said the use of devices in such settings “provide unforeseen opportunities for learning, game playing and intergenerational interaction while allowing families to spend time together”.

Dr Davis and other Swinburne University researchers filmed and interviewed four families while they dined at a familyfriendly restaurant.

She said there was a common concern that phones and tablets were just “digital babysitting” and detrimental to children’s wellbeing.

“In contrast, traditional tools, such as colouring books, used to occupy children in restaurants are not viewed as alienating children from familial conversation,” she said.

Children put their devices away when their meals arrived and got back on them when they finished eating.

But researchers also found children with large headphones were less likely to interact with others and competitive play could create arguments and cause noise.

Dr Davis said restaurants could consider free Wi-Fi spots for children.

The research estimated 34 per cent of children used technology in restaurants.