I have had my fill of poor table manners

HOW can I be writing about mere table manners when we're in fear of the prospect of another world war? My answer is this: members of Gen Z - those aged 12 to 27 - apparently believe that table manners don't matter - and I must protest.

I was born in 1962, before fast food, convenience food and TV dinners existed. Meals were only ever served on trays (often with a cloth and fresh flower in a tiny crystal vase) to those knocking at death's door in their bedroom. People who were merely ailing would wear a dressing gown and slippers and shuffle dutifully to the table. There was no excuse for slumping on the sofa and shovelling in food while gawping at the TV. Eating meant the burden and privilege of being granted a seat at the table. That seat gave adults the opportunity to observe your behaviour and take you to task if you infringed the following rules.