Let's Talk

[jennyjoan]

Let's talk advertisement (should be in ads). They are saying that children are more anxious and depressed than years ago - surely then if one wants to talk - get off the MOBILE phones then conversation can start naturally. That rankles me.

[emmie]

me too, having dinner with family is often a nightmare of parents constantly berating their children to get off their phones. That way we can have a normal, rowdy conversation.

[diddlydo]

Phones should be banned from the meal table and they are amongst my family and friends.

[Mamyalynne]

The depression of young people can have many reasons and yes a lack of conversing about their worries may be one but certainly isn't the only one.

[emmie]

so many pressures on young people, though at least they can if they so wish, get a decent education,and one would hope go onto Uni, then the world should be theirs for the taking. Some won't do that, as they succumb to peer pressure and enter gangs, or do drugs and drop out. but they are choices you don't have to make

[Mamyalynne]

With two Grandsons currently 16 and 15½, the pressures are very obvious to us as a family, they are very bright intelligent boys who thankfully do talk, because we do listen.

Not every young person has that experience of course.

[jennyjoan]

////Some won't do that, as they succumb to peer pressure and enter gangs, or do drugs and drop out///

or attempt suicide

[jennyjoan]

emmie - when my nephews visit - none of them use their mobiles during the visit.

[emmie]

then you have well behaved nephews, mine are often or not on their mobiles, including at dinner, Christmas or no...

[ummmm]

Does talking on your mobile phone not count then?

You might see a youngster on their phone and assume they are scrolling through Facebook or Instagram. Not always the case though. My sons current app is to be able to name all the countries in the world in less than X amount of time. He could also be reading up on his next assignment. We sometimes are too quick to judge...

No phones while eating though.

[pixie374]

We've never had phones while eating either. Children now seem to have far far more communication and contact with other people. Maybe that's the problem...

[ummmm]

You could be right, Pixie.

[jennyjoan]

I think it is very rude for anyone to talk on their mobiles whilst in company. That makes me very angry.

[ummmm]

Would you think it rude if someone answered the landline?

[jennyjoan]

Yes I would think it rude - the person receiving the call should mention to the caller that he/she has company.

[Mamyalynne]

You'd have to answer the phone to tell the caller that.

My Grandson came for his tea tonight and we talked solid for two hours, he only looked at his phone once when his Mum texted him to say how long she'd be.

[jennyjoan]

Mamy I have done that many times and I always tell the caller I will ring them back which I do.

Good for you and grandson - it is always good to talk

[Mamyalynne]

I'm not sure you read Ummmm's question right'

//Would you think it rude if someone answered the landline?//

You replied, yes.


I too have told folk to call another time but you do need to answer to do so.

[david small]

Mobile phones are intrusive, I do not possess one, but, my wife and kids do. They are constantly checking them, looking at them, fiddling with them. I think they have become dependent upon them. Sad....

[vulcan42]

I think mamy has hit the problem, children will talk if there is someone who will listen. I visit friends who has one grandson and when he's there I will always talk and listen to him. when he leaves he invariably says to me I wish Grandad would listen like you do. I know what he means, his grandfather, my friend, always talks at him, not to him.

[JimF]

"Mobile phones are intrusive"

Not when they're switched off.