There have been 87,000 UK searches for ‘how to open up’ in the past month, on the lead up to Mental Health Awareness Week. Is the use of technology taking away opportunities to communicate about thoughts and feelings?
AXA Health commissioned a survey of 2,000 parents, which revealed a growing need for greater connection among UK families, with 77% of parents wanting to eat together more often.
As the use of technology continues to creep into our everyday lives, Dr Imren Sterno, Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist. AXA Health, shares, “Technology-free mealtimes support mental wellbeing by creating better communication, fostering stronger relationship bonds, and reducing stress”.
6 in 10 UK families admit to using technology at the dinner table
In the UK, family mealtimes are becoming less common, with the survey data revealing that over 1 in 5 (22%) families don’t eat together and only 43% eat together daily.
Even when families do sit down together, the study revealed a growing digital divide, with 61% having technology present at mealtimes, and one in four regularly eating in front of the TV.
Technology is particularly common in households with children aged 4–12, where nearly a quarter (23%) use phones or tablets during family meals.
For the 78% of the UK choosing to dedicate daily time to eat together, 29% said the activity of shared mealtimes is helping their children to feel less lonely, and a quarter of people said it made their child feel less worried.
“The mood is better when you eat with people”: Liverpool FC players on the power of shared moments
AXA Health sat down exclusively with football players Ibrahima Konate and Vitezslav Jaros from Liverpool FC to understand how prioritising shared mealtimes, despite a busy schedule, can positively impact mental wellbeing.
Konate shared, “It’s very important - growing up in the academy, and at home I have six brothers and a sister plus my parents, and more than 50 people at the Academy, so when I started to live alone and have dinner alone, I felt the difference completely. The mood when you eat with people, it’s better”.
When asked about discussing difficult topics over mealtimes, Konate went on to say “I think it’s the right moment to talk about it. Everyone enjoys the food, and they can be honest with you because they have something to do, not just speak.”
Jaros also highlighted the significance of being present when you can find the time to eat with loved ones: “For me, it’s important. It’s a chance to have a good conversation and enjoy time together. Talking about growing up, he added: “It was dinner together, everyone at the table at the same time, none of the I’m not hungry yet or anything. You can talk about your day and what’s going on.”
Please find the full interview here.
Over half of UK parents think shared mealtimes strengthen family relationships
In the UK, 85% of families agree that eating dinner together allows their children an outlet to discuss their thoughts and feelings by dedicating time to ensure open communication between parents and kids.
The data revealed that over half of parents think that eating together as a family strengthens relationships (51%), along with giving families time to talk about the highs and lows of the day (44%). Over 1 in 3 (37%) also see how it makes children feel happier and more valued (37%) and gives children time to discuss important issues (36%).
Shared mealtimes not only benefit children, but parents too, with 57% reporting they feel happier. 7 in 10 UK parents also highlighted that it's helped them to feel more confident in being able to help their children open up about their own thoughts and feelings.
Clinical Psychologist reveals the importance of screen-free dinners for mental wellbeing
Dr Imren Sterno highlights, “Eating is a daily function that we all perform, which is essential for our existence. However, mealtimes also contribute to how we learn to socialise and build connections with others, as well as supporting emotional regulation and encouraging open conversations, where we can learn about each other.
There is an array of research that demonstrates how important shared mealtimes can be, and how they positively impact overall well-being. Having a regular opportunity to sit together for a meal can help ease feelings of isolation and disconnection and can encourage open and honest conversations.
In today’s busy lives, where we are all juggling multiple tasks, both mentally and physically, and where screens dominate much of our time, taking time out to eat together has never been more important. They provide a much-needed opportunity to share difficulties and problem-solve together, or just to chat and have fun. Mealtimes offer much more than just fulfilling a basic function.”
