Phones taking their scroll on family meals..

MEALTIMES can be a perfect chance for families to connect.

- BY KEITH FALKINER

However, with busy working lives it's not always possible for parents to plan to have meals at the same time as their kids on a daily basis.

And even when they do, smartphones and tablets often get in the way.

New research from Heinz, which has once again joined forces with Irish children's charity Barnardos, shows that 88 per cent of kids in Ireland crave family connection at mealtimes, but instead many are on their phones or watching TV.

As part of a new campaign, for every pack of Heinz Meanz Mealz' purchased, the company will donate to Barnardos Breakfast Clubs as well as the charity's family support programmes.

In the last four years, the partnership has seen over one million packs of 'Heinz Meanz Mealz' cans sold - enough to fill every seat in Croke Park over 12 times.

The relaunch comes as new research commissioned by Heinz continues to reveal the impact of modern life on mealtimes and family connections in Ireland, as well as children's sense of belonging.