Don Bashford, of Collaton Farm, Blackawton, writes:

I was recently in Norway and was intrigued when in conversation with a colleague from our Norwegian Office, a young married lady only 30 years old and with two sons and a working husband.

She told me they have started an electronic/media free night once a week (I can imagine many people leaving this letter at this point as it would be like giving up alchol or cigarettes) and that included guests on the designated day.

It started one day over 12 months ago when she was sitting on one end of the sofa with a laptop, her husband was on the other end with a laptop. The TV was on with yet another chef series. Her one son was on a play station and the other was in his room watching a video. (Yes, you have it, a typical family scene for many).

There was no family interaction, so a decision was made that once a week all electronic devices would be closed down (mobile phones in another room) and guests would be expected to adhere to the rules when visiting on the set day (Wednesday).

Games and family interaction are the theme for that day.

The idea has now been passed on to many of their friends and seems to be expanding.

A single day with no outside interference has improved their quality of life considerably.

One of her sons has Asperger's and this day away from the mobile/media has been extremely beneficial.

Many people may already do this, but what intrigued me the most, was that this was started by a young famuly that have really grown up in the new electronic age.

I wonder how many people are up for the challenge and, indeed, if I have the courage to try and do this in my house.