Why We Shouldn’t Give Smartphones to Children at Restaurants (And What to Do Instead)

Going to a restaurant with children can be a challenge. Between waiting for food and the need to sit still for a long time, little ones can quickly become impatient. The most immediate solution? Handing them a smartphone to keep them calm. But is it really the best choice?

Why Avoid Smartphones at Restaurants

Giving children a smartphone to distract them may seem like a great idea in the short term, but it has several negative consequences:

1. Reduces attention span and patience: Children learn to tolerate waiting only by experiencing it. If they are distracted by a screen every time they have to wait, they won’t develop the ability to manage boredom and impatience.

2. Limits family interaction: A restaurant visit is an opportunity to talk, share the day's experiences, and strengthen bonds. If the child is engrossed in a screen, this precious moment is lost.

3. Can create device dependency: If a child associates restaurants (or any other waiting moments) with a smartphone, they will tend to demand it more and more.

4. Affects creativity and problem-solving skills: Passive entertainment from a video or digital game does not stimulate the brain as much as a creative activity and does not develop manual skills.

Fun and Educational Alternatives

If a smartphone isn’t the solution, what can we do to entertain children at restaurants? Here are some creative and simple ideas you can find in our store:

1. Paper and pen games: Print and bring along a small pad of paper and some pencils, turning waiting time into playtime. In our store, you will find some simple paper based games such as:

   Tic Tac Toe, Connect, Connect 4, Golf Blind, Go-Moku, Guess Who, The Triangle is Mine, Trax, The Hangman, Points and Lines, Bridg-it, Battleship. on the store you will find many templates ready to download and print.

2. Books or comics: Bringing a small book or comic can be a great alternative to keeping children entertained without a screen. Or simply black-and-white drawings to color better yet, a Mandala, which helps calm and relax a child’s mind.

Conclusion

Using a smartphone to entertain children at a restaurant may seem like the easiest solution, but it is neither the most educational nor the healthiest. With a bit of creativity and some simple games, we can turn waiting time into a moment of fun and connection. Next time you go out for dinner, try keeping the devices in your pocket and rediscovering the joy of traditional games your children (and you) will benefit!