Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, recently delivered a stark warning regarding the impact of smartphones and social media on young children. Their comments, made during a virtual event celebrating the launch of the book The Amazing Generation, sparked a mixed response from the public. The book is intended to encourage children to engage in real-world play and experiences.
The couple participated remotely in the event, where they praised authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price for their research, which Prince Harry described as “incredibly valuable.” This hour-long discussion highlighted their commitment to addressing the challenges posed by digital environments on children’s mental and emotional health.
Following the event, opinions about their warning surfaced on social media. Critics questioned the couple’s authority on the subject, with one user stating, “Preaching about keeping children away from social media, when he (Harry) is not a working parent, and his kids are all over their socials.” Others expressed skepticism towards their message, commenting, “Their opinions are irrelevant. They aren’t qualified to speak on these matters.” Conversely, supporters lauded Meghan as a vital role model, stating, “Princess Meghan is an important role model for the next generation.”
During the discussion, Prince Harry emphasized the significance of understanding how digital spaces impact our collective mental health. “Over the years we’ve worked with how the digital spaces deeply affect our collective and mental, emotional and physical health,” he noted. He congratulated Haidt and Price on their research, which has fostered a parent-led movement aimed at protecting children from online dangers.
Meghan added, “And that we’re proud to be a part of,” further reinforcing their dedication to the cause. The Duke highlighted the importance of their insights, which have been instrumental in their collaboration with families affected by online harms.
The event was hosted by American presenter Gayle King, who welcomed celebrity guest appearances. King affectionately referred to the couple as “my favourite Duke and Duchess,” showcasing the ongoing interest in their public endeavors.
The Duke and Duchess are not new to discussing the negative impacts of social media on mental health. In 2024, they launched The Parents’ Network, a support initiative for families in the UK, US, and Canada affected by social media-related tragedies. This initiative stemmed from a two-year pilot program and aims to provide resources for parents dealing with the repercussions of online harm.
During the event, Prince Harry posed a critical question regarding the effects of a “phone-based childhood” on emotional development. Haidt responded that children require play for healthy development. He noted, “Once they get the device, it’s going to push out everything else.” He elaborated on the various detrimental effects of excessive screen time, including reduced sleep, decreased physical activity, and diminished social interaction.
The couple’s conversation has ignited further dialogue about the responsibility of parents and society in managing children’s interaction with technology. As the debate continues, it remains clear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are committed to advocating for a safer digital environment for children.
