In today’s fast-paced world, screens have become a common tool to keep children calm during meals. While this may offer short-term convenience, research and clinical observations show that screen time during mealtimes can negatively impact a child’s feeding development. Feeding is more than just eating—it’s a complex process involving chewing, swallowing, exploring textures, developing oral-motor skills, and learning to recognize hunger and fullness cues. When children are distracted by screens, their attention is diverted away from the act of eating, which can delay their ability to chew effectively, manage different textures, and recognize when they’re full or hungry.

Screen-based eating also replaces important social interactions that typically occur at the table. Children learn by watching and mimicking their caregivers—how to chew, use utensils, explore new foods, and engage in turn-taking during meals. When a screen takes center stage, this rich learning opportunity is lost, potentially contributing to picky eating, food refusal, or delayed self-feeding skills. Over time, children may become dependent on screens to eat and show increased resistance to screen-free meals, leading to heightened stress for parents and caregivers.

To support healthy feeding development, experts recommend keeping mealtimes screen-free and creating a calm, engaging environment where children can focus on their food and interact with family members. Encourage your child to explore foods with their senses, model healthy eating behaviors, and involve them in age-appropriate food preparation activities. If your child consistently refuses food, gags frequently, or only eats with a screen present, it may be time to consult a feeding therapist for personalized support. Real-life interaction and mindful eating lay the foundation not only for healthy nutrition but also for strong speech and oral-motor skills.