Italy
ILLUSTRATION – A teenager lies on her bed with her smartphone in her hand, scrolling through a social media platform. Photo: Elisa Schu/dpa
Keystone
Everyone at the restaurant using their cell phones at the table, while the kids are busy on their tablets watching videos or playing games? A pilot program has begun in Sardinia aimed at getting families to talk to each other again at the dinner table. A total of 15 restaurants on the Italian Mediterranean island have been participating in the “A tavola senza schermi” (“At the Table Without Screens”) campaign—initially limited to one month—since this past Sunday.
Today at 16:04Upon entering the restaurant, guests agree to either stow all cell phones and tablets deep in their pockets or place them in a basket. In return, families with children receive a “play kit” containing games and colored pencils. The project was developed by the island’s hospitality association in collaboration with the local children’s and youth representative, Anna Cau.
Participation on a voluntary basis
The goal of the initiative is to get children and teenagers “off the internet”—at least while they’re at the restaurant—so they can play, draw, and talk instead of staring at a screen. Participation is voluntary. There is no strict cell phone ban in the participating restaurants. Exceptions are allowed but must be agreed upon in advance. If important phone calls do come up, they should be taken away from the table and out of earshot.
“The digital world must be well regulated,” said Children’s Commissioner Cau. “Minors must be protected from the misuse of electronic devices and from inappropriate content. Parents must be aware of the risks and opportunities associated with technological devices.” Emanuele Frongia, president of the hospitality association, believes that without cell phones, even adults would be better able to engage in conversation again: “A restaurant is a place where people meet, talk to one another, and spend time together.”
Restaurants from larger cities, such as the island’s capital, Cagliari, as well as from smaller towns, are participating in the event. Sardinia is also a popular destination for tourists.
