Bad manners served up as standard

Mobile phones and remote controls are now just as common place as a knife, fork and spoon at British dinner tables according to new research from Legal & General.

Despite the established British dinner party etiquette of engaging in polite conversation, 44% of people who regulalry sit down to eat with friends or family, do so with the TV switched on, and one in ten, 10%, say that it is common behaviour to text or talk on the phone at the meal table.

At a time when 30% of Britons refer to their lounge as the TV or home cinema room, research by Legal & General’s general insurance business would indicate that technology is redefining our home lives. The Changing Face of British Homes research of almost 4,000 British adults reveals that the bad manners now commonplace at British meal times.

Techno-takeover seems to be the biggest influence on our deteriorating table manners, with 46% of people of working age living with a partner or friends sitting down to eat with the TV on. 42% of families with young children also admit to watching television at the dinner table.

The mobile phone is the most commonplace at the meal table in houses of young professionals where 23% say they talk or text on the phone during house meals.

Other Common Meal Time Faux-pas

The traditional British table manner of not putting your elbows on the table whilst eating is disregarded in 35% of households;

Reaching across the table prevails at 30% of British meal tables where passing dishes has gone out of the window;

21% of Britons frequently have to put up with their dinner companions talking with their mouth full; and

12% say that people often read books or magazines when eating with others at the meal table.

Ruth Wilkins, Head of communications at Legal & General’s general insurance business said: “Changes in technology and household entertainment are impacting the way people behave and interact in their home. This research shows how technology at the meal table is influencing traditional British table manners.

“Legal & General is committed to understanding the changing ways in which Britons use their homes in order to develop products tailored to the needs of the modern household. Good insurance gives busy Brits peace of mind, allowing them to get on with their lives.”