science

Seems like most of yall didn’t read it, but in summary, they concluded what you’ve probably already guessed:

“It’s not about the food, timing, or setting; it's the parent-child relationship and interactions it helps cultivate that matter.”

Parents regularly connecting with their child is what reduces substance use risk. Routine family dinners just provide a straightforward framework for that connection.

Also note, they said:

Higher family dinner quality was associated with a 22% to 34% lower prevalence of substance use among adolescents who had either no or low to moderate levels of adverse childhood experiences.

Two takeaways here:

1. “Higher quality” implies a healthier relationship. Obviously you’re going to rate dinner with your family higher if you have a better relationship with them.
2. Family dinners alone aren’t enough to overcome “adverse childhood experiences”, i.e. trauma. It seems potentially protective, but it’s it going to heal deeper issues.