Sardinia launches screen-free dining pilot for families

A new experimental initiative titled “A tavola senza schermi” (At the table without screens) has launched in Sardinia to encourage families to disconnect from digital devices during meals. The project, promoted by the Regional Guarantor for Childhood and Adolescence, Anna Cau, in collaboration with Fipe-Confcommercio Sardegna and the Italian Federation of Pediatricians (FIMP), aims to restore social interaction and family dialogue.

Participating restaurants—initially 13 to 15 locations across the island—will offer a “reunion kit” containing games and activities designed for various age groups to replace smartphones and tablets. The program also provides parents with informative guides and QR codes linking to expert advice on managing digital use in children.

The initiative responds to concerns regarding excessive technology use among youth. According to FIMP, 95% of Italian adolescents use smartphones regularly, with one in four showing signs of problematic usage. Organizers emphasize that the goal is to promote physical social connection and educate parents on the risks of digital overuse, such as social isolation and sleep disturbances.