When iDevices make us iRate

DEAR ABBY: I am writing about the letter from "Holding My Tongue," the woman who was upset because many children were playing with electronic devices during her grandchildren's school concerts and recitals. While I agree that most children should pay attention to the event at hand, as the mother of two children on the autism spectrum, I have a different perspective.

I should not have to leave my sons at home because they are on the spectrum, so a harmless, quiet game that allows them to participate without being disruptive is a godsend to me.

Sometimes it is not obvious why someone is doing something; so as long as it isn't disrupting the event, please try to be tolerant.

- Laura in Pennsylvania

DEAR LAURA: Readers had interesting comments on this topic, so I'm sharing a few:

DEAR ABBY: Sometimes it's hard to find a sitter or afford one. When children get dragged to programs they have no interest in, they lose patience and become fidgety. If given something to occupy their attention, as long as it has headphones, then I don't see a problem.

- Understanding in Louisiana

DEAR ABBY: In this digital age, we have lost touch with basic common decency and respect for others. It's sad to imagine what the next generation will be like if we don't start putting the devices down and interacting with each other again like human beings. I raised all three of my kids this way, so I know it's not impossible. - Maintaining Human Contact

DEAR ABBY: When my precious mother passed away last summer, my sister-in-law brought two handheld games to the funeral. My niece and nephew played and played while the pastor spoke about my mother.

It was the last straw for me in a series of incredibly rude actions over the years. My children were also appalled. When respect is no longer taught at home, we sink to the lowest level as a society.

- Debra on the East Coast