Sardinian Restaurants Ban Phones at Tables in Screen Trial

A group of 15 restaurants on the Italian island of Sardinia will temporarily ban phones and other screens at the dining table starting next week, according to the regional newspaper L’Unione Sarda, cited by NOS Nieuws. The month-long trial aims to reduce screen time among children and encourage conversation during family meals.

The A Tavola Senza Schermi Project Details

Led by the island’s children’s ombudsman, Anna Cau, the initiative is titled “A tavola senza schermi,” which translates to “At table without screens.” Participating establishments volunteered for the project without hesitation, the regional press reported. When diners arrive at any of the 15 venues, they must either put away their electronic devices or hand them over for the duration of the meal.

In exchange, servers provide each table with a kit containing games or coloring books. The Italian Federation of Pediatricians designed these activity packs to help minors under the age of 18 engage in conversation with their parents by sharing stories about their day. The packages also include a brochure detailing the risks of excessive online usage and offering practical tips to limit social media consumption.

Concerns Over Pediatric Screen Time

Emanuele Frongia, president of a catering and tourism association on the island involved in the project, told British newspaper The Guardian that restaurants play an essential role in fostering family intimacy. Frongia noted that lively table chatter frequently gives way to silent periods as people stare at their devices, with children often handed a phone simply to keep them quiet.

Pediatricians supporting the trial warn that problems stem not only from the total hours spent on technology, but also from the specific content children consume. According to the medical federation, issues such as insomnia, social isolation, and self-harm appear with increasing frequency among young users. Ombudsman Cau stated that minors require protection from both electronic device abuse and inappropriate digital content, while parents must better understand the risks and capabilities of modern technology. Organizers hope additional restaurants will join the project as the month-long trial progresses.