Frankie Bridge said she finds it hard not to worry about her children – particularly when it comes to the digital world as a new study reveals the struggles of parents
A survey of 1,000 mums and dads with children aged six to 16 revealed that 41% believe meal times are the only opportunity they have to truly connect with their offspring.
According to the survey, two thirds of parents discover more about their child’s life at the dinner table than any other time.
Parents admit they find it a struggle to approach topics such as their children’s feelings, school life, and friendships at other times during the day.
More crucially, parents said discussing their children’s online experiences proves challenging. A third find it harder to discuss their children’s online experiences than to talk about their romantic relationships.
Singer, presenter, and mother of two, Frankie Bridge, like any other parent, finds it difficult not to worry and feel anxious about her children, especially regarding the digital world.
The Saturday star, whose eldest son Parker is starting secondary school in September, said: “I do consider myself pretty internet savvy but when it comes to my kids, it’s a whole different world – their online lives are just so different from mine.”
“As a parent, it’s a bit overwhelming trying to balance all the things I’m worried about – like gaming, social media, all that stuff I don’t really get – while also remembering that so much of what we do is online now,” she added.
A recent study by Tesco Mobile has revealed that one in 10 parents admit to being largely unaware of their child’s online activities, despite three-quarters acknowledging the importance of their child’s online safety.
To help facilitate open discussions about online safety, Tesco Mobile has teamed up with The Cafe to provide conversation starters.
Developed by child psychologist Dr Martha Deiros Collado and online safety experts Internet Matters, the guidance is available online or via a QR code on ‘table talkers’ in The Cafe at Tesco stores.
Dr Martha Deiros Collado advises: “When discussing online safety, approach it as a collaborative conversation – not an interrogation – by sharing your own experiences, listening without judgement, and validating their feelings.”
“Regular family moments, like mealtimes, are ideal for normalising these discussions and building trust, so children feel safe navigating their digital lives. As a clinical psychologist and mother, I’ve seen how smartphones can impact young people’s mental health, both positively and negatively.”
“While cyberbullying and online harassment pose real risks, smartphones also offer teenagers valuable opportunities to build friendships, find support, and experience a sense of belonging. It’s essential to educate children on managing these risks while helping them gain the full benefits of the internet.”
According to the study, 61% of parents who value mealtimes as opportunities for conversation with their child believe it fosters closer family ties. Half believe the absence of distractions is a key factor while others believe the routine and consistency of mealtimes enables their child to open up more comfortably.
Sally Marriott, CTO of Tesco Mobile, commented: “As parents, we’re constantly navigating new challenges, and keeping children safe online is one of the most pressing.”
“By bringing these discussions to the dinner table, we hope to help families with the difficulties they face when trying to broach challenging topics like this.”
