Mobile phone should be prohibited during family time

Family time is a very important factor for the growth of any family. The family that spends time together and communicates well will surely grow and be full of life, unlike the one where the father and mother don't share a good relationship or talk to the children.

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Family time is one tradition my family has that I appreciate so much. This is one of the things my parents cherish so much because they believe it's one of the things that builds family relationships and keeps their bond so strong. I would also love to inculcate this in my family when the time comes.

Due to what I've heard about some relationships and families, I would say the phone is the major enemy of family time. My dad is a very busy man, but amidst his busy schedule, he always creates time for family, and while doing this, he always postpones any work at hand at that time just to keep the family time fun and meaningful.

When I saw this prompt, it brought to mind a family I knew, which is in disarray right now because of mobile phones. I wouldn't have believed the story if I hadn't witnessed it myself, because I believe what I see with my two eyes can never be a lie, unlike what I was told by someone. There will surely be an addition or subtraction if someone else has narrated the story to me.

A family friend was having issues in their marriage, and the husband reported the issue to my parents, which I was privileged to know about because of the relationship we share.

He complained that his wife is always on her phone, moving from one social media platform to another or watching K-drama movies, neglecting the husband. There is no cordial relationship whatsoever or good communication in the family.

We thought the man was exaggerating with the way he was complaining, but during this past Easter, we invited the family to spend a few days with us as a break for the Easter celebration, which they did. After eating, either breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the wife will be entered back into the room and be on her phone till we call her to come and eat again or probably watch a program together.

This made us believe what the man said—this is causing problems in their home, but the wife has yet to realize that. Her mobile phone is causing a big gap in her home and relationship, but she didn't see it as a big deal.

If phones were allowed in family time, it would no longer be family time because everyone would be busy with their phones doing different things, some profitable, some not. I can picture in my head what family time where the phone is allowed would look like.

There wouldn't be any connection whatsoever, attention would be divided, the fun that was supposed to be enjoyed in the family time would be lost, and communication would be lost as everyone would be busy with his or her phone.

No one dares to use the phone during my family time; that's the laid-down rule. Whatever can make my dad drop his phone and postpone his work for a while, then why would anyone be with his or her phone during that time?

The essence of family time is to bond, communicate, share experiences, strategize on things that could develop the family, give everyone a sense of belonging, listen to one another's pains, and help overcome challenges together as a family.

In my opinion, I would suggest phones be prohibited during family time, as they are more or less a distraction. Without a phone, chances of having a nice time with one another and enjoying one another's company would be inevitable.

Thanks for your time, and your comments will be appreciated.