A fifth of Brit kids can't use forks and knives

London, May 23 : Forks and knives, which have been an indispensable part of British eating etiquettes for centuries, are losing its charm amongst the nation's kids, with almost a fifth having trouble with the cutlery.

A new study found that British children are losing the ability to use knives and forks, because they eat with their fingers in front of the TV.

The study, which recruited more than 400 nine year olds around Newport, showed that almost a fifth had trouble with cutlery, a habit that could make it harder for them to learn to use a pen.

The research also revealed that childhood obesity and poor performance at school might be linked to the demise of traditional family mealtimes.

The researchers found that one in four children ate in front of the telly without their parents.

Prof Amanda Kirby, of University of Wales, said school meals could help teach kids good eating habits and social skills.

"Twenty years ago lunchtime in British schools was a formal occasion, with children sitting down and a teacher at the head of each table," The Sun quoted her, as saying.

ANI