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Student Corner

Should Phones be a Part of Family Gatherings?

Written by: Rushka Sapkota - 29024, Grade VII

Posted on: 14 June, 2023

It depends on whether you use the phone to divert yourself or contact someone. It is impolite to use your phone as a way to distract yourself when at a family gathering. Mobile phones are regarded as significant human inventions since they are among the most commonly used and marketed pieces of consumer technology. In certain regions, such as the United Kingdom, the total number of mobile phones exceeded the total number of residences in 1999. Today, mobile phones are nearly everywhere, with more than 90% of the world's population owning at least one.  Phones were initially intended for voice communication, but people soon began using them for email, internet browsing, cameras, phone conversations, and other purposes.

Family gatherings are often for spending quality time with families. So use of the phone during a family gathering could interfere with face-to-face interaction with your family. Putting our phones aside at a family gathering could encourage an atmosphere where everyone feels included.

It is difficult for young teens or young adults to put their phones away because nearly everyone in our generation depends on their social life on their online position, but it is quite beneficial. When you avoid using your phone at a family gathering, you will be able to be more communicative, spend quality time with your family members, and make more memories. One important downside of technology is that it makes it difficult for many people to form genuine connections with others.  Being completely engaged during a family gathering has advantages since it helps you build more memories with your family members.

Phones have a lot of drawbacks-
- Privacy and Tracking Concerns. 
- Mental Health Effects on Children.
- Health Effects.
- Negative Impact on Personal Contact.
- Distracted Drivers
- Sleep loss
- Bad posture


Many people utilise phones to their advantage at family gatherings. Phones may be used at a family gathering to connect with loved ones who are unable to attend in person, allowing the family member to participate in the event. It is especially beneficial for families with members who live a long distance away or who are unable to attend the gathering for a variety of reasons. Phones, on the other hand, can cause distraction. We can all agree that a family gathering without distractions is ten times better.

Making memories during a family gathering is better since it keeps you joyful even when things are difficult. Sharing diverse ideas with your family members is also better than everyone being preoccupied with their phones. Phones, on the other hand, may store memories of specific times spent with your family. Many individuals want to use their phones because they are bored, but if you have family members, you may simply escape boredom. It is important to spend quality time with your family since they will be the ones to assist you when you are in need. So, using a phone at a family gathering is not the best idea. During family or holiday parties, people must be respectful and considerate of others. Excessive phone use may be considered disrespectful, particularly when it becomes obvious or excludes individuals from the group. To create a more connected and inclusive workplace, encourage phone-free moments, such as during meals or significant events.

The decision of whether or not phones should be allowed during family or holiday gatherings should be made by open discussion, mutual understanding, and the creation of a balance that benefits everyone. Prioritising real interaction is essential, but it's also important to realise the advantages and real-world applications of phones in some situations.

Using personal devices when spending time with family, people should put meaningful relationships first, put down their electronics, and interact with their loved ones to make the most of these priceless times. Finally, whether or not to use your phone is entirely up to you.