
Q: My husband and I let our kids play games and use apps on our tablets and smartphones, but is it bad manners for kids to use iPads and iPhones in public settings such as restaurants? Do you have any tips for setting rules around screen use in public?
A: Great question. There are no hard and fast "digital etiquette" rules yet, though a growing number of individuals are thinking it through.
The first step as a parent is to find out if the establishment you're visiting has any specific rules about electronic devices. Some businesses are starting to set their own digital device policies, from stores asking people not to use their cellphones as they check out to businesses such as Burlington's August First Bakery going "screen free" and prohibiting the use of laptops and tablets in their café.
If screens are allowed, and you're OK with your children using them, set some ground rules. For example, sound from a game might be distracting to other patrons, so you might want to turn it off. And consider which tools keep your children engaged appropriately when out in public. If the game or activity gets them excited, it may be a poor choice in any venue.
If you'd rather not have kids tune out in front of a screen, you could also bring other items along. Books, art supplies and board games may occupy younger kids just as well as electronic devices. Or you could engage in face-to-face conversation, which can be easier to sustain with older kids. But that's a choice you need to make based on your family's values.
Comments
Comments are closed.
Since 2014, Seven Days has allowed readers to comment on all stories posted on our website. While we’ve appreciated the suggestions and insights, the time has come to shut them down — at least temporarily.
While we champion free speech, facts are a matter of life and death during the coronavirus pandemic, and right now Seven Days is prioritizing the production of responsible journalism over moderating online debates between readers.
To criticize, correct or praise our reporting, please send us a letter to the editor. Or send us a tip. We’ll check it out and report the results.
Online comments may return when we have better tech tools for managing them. Thanks for reading.