'Table manners': children's use of mobile technologies in family-friendly restaurants

This paper presents findings from a small ethnographic study of children's use of technology in family-friendly restaurants during dinnertime. We explore children's use of a range of devices (iPad, mobile phone, laptop, etc.) in terms of the layout of the table, the juxtaposition of artefacts, the timing of interaction around eating, and the management of behavior or 'table manners'. Ultimately we argue that mobile technology use is adeptly managed by a range of actors - children, parents, and restaurant staff - to facilitate a positive dining experience. Further we find that mobile technology use provides unforeseen opportunities for learning, game playing, and intergenerational interaction while allowing families to spend time together. Finally, we outline design considerations for restaurants and designers to better support children's mobile technologies use in family-friendly restaurants.