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It's a cry that rings out in millions of British homes every evening.

But in the age of computer games and social media, 'dinner's ready' rarely means families actually sit down and eat together.

Now new research suggests parents striving to bring up well-behaved children should insist that they gather round the table with the rest of the family.

Psychologists studied children aged six to eleven and found they concentrated more at school, acquired better social skills and got into less trouble as teens if they regularly took part in family meals (stock image pictured). But this needs to happen at least four times a week to have a major benefit

Psychologists who studied children aged six to eleven found they concentrated more at school, acquired better social skills and got into much less trouble as teens if they regularly took part in family meals.

But it needs to happen at least four times a week to have any major benefit.

Research suggests less than a third of British families sit down to dinner together every night.

A 2012 survey found extended working hours, lengthy commutes for parents and children's after-school commitments meant families rarely ate together.

Other factors include children wanting different types of food, or demanding to watch TV at the same time.

Although numerous studies have shown family meals can have a positive effect on adolescent behaviour, the latest research concentrated on the long-term effects on younger children.

Experts at the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University analysed the eating habits of more than 24,000 young children who took part in a major health study in 2007.

The US National Survey of Children's Health recorded youngsters' dietary patterns but also looked at behaviour, school performance and social skills.

The results, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, found more frequent family meals increased the odds of a child having positive social skills and being more engaged in school by around 10% (stock image pictured). At the same time, eating together reduced the risk of bad behaviour by about 8%

The results, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, found more frequent family meals increased the odds of a child having positive social skills and being more engaged in school by around ten per cent.

At the same time, eating together reduced the risk of bad behaviour by about eight per cent.

Earlier studies showed shared family meals can also reduce the risk of drug abuse and depression among teenagers.

In a report on their findings the researchers said eating together provides stability and contact for vulnerable youngsters.

'It is also possible that the organisational features of meals, as part of the family routine, may provide structure, order and predictability to the family and have an effect on health related outcomes.

'They provide a supportive family environment in which parents can connect with their children and monitor their activities.

'Although there is no certainty in the number of weekly mealtimes needed to provide a protective child health outcome, previous research has indicated four or more as optimal.'

Dr Fiona Starr, psychologist at Middlesex University, said family meals give parents a vital opportunity to catch up on what's going on in their children's lives.

She said: 'It's also a time when young children acquire language skills and learn how to listen.

'But it's really important that parents impose a 'no screens' rule at the dinner table, so that there are no games, phones or iPads.

'It's fine to have a TV dinner every now and again with the family but no screens at the table is essential.'