CA Families Spend Less Time Together Than National Average

CALIFORNIA — The average family in California spends less quality time together each week than is typical at the national level, according to a recent study.

Backyard Oasis, a yard furniture company, recently surveyed 3,000 families to determine how much quality time they spend together per week, a news release said.

The survey revealed the average California family spends five hours and 51 minutes of quality time together weekly compared to a national average of six hours and 17 minutes.

"Family time is a cornerstone of happiness and well-being," Andy Wu of Backyard Oasis said in the news release.

"Despite modern day challenges, the good news is that families are spending nearly two hours more together each week compared to a few years ago, which is a positive trend. We hope these insights encourage more families to prioritize and cherish their time together, creating lasting memories and stronger bonds.”

Nationwide, families typically share a meal together four times per week, according to the study. Twelve percent of families always allow phones at the dinner table while 5 percent ban them completely.

When it comes to recreational family time, watching television or movies was the top activity for 41 percent of respondents, followed by board and video games at a distant 17 percent, the study said.

Families in North Dakota spend the most time together each week at eight hours and 30 minutes, according to the news release. West Virginia families have the least amount of quality time at four hours and 30 minutes weekly.