Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, spoke at a book launch about the perils of smartphones and social media on young children
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last night warned about the dangers of smartphones and social media on young children.
But the Duke and Duchess of Sussex split opinion with the musings, made at the event for The Amazing Generation, a book designed to encourage children to play and have fun in the real world. They dialled in remotely to speak with authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, praising the pair for their research, which he said had been “incredibly valuable”.
Following the hour-long event, social media users expressed their reaction to the warning. One person said: “Preaching about keeping children away from social media, when he (Harry) is not a working parent, and his kids are all over their socials.” Another posted: “Their opinions are irrelevant. They aren’t qualified to speak on these matters. They aren’t even authentic.”
But one fan said: “Princess Meghan is an important role model for the next generation. We can all learn something from her example.” Another posted: “Good for them, I think it’s a good crusade.”
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Speaking at the event, Prince Harry said: “Over the years we’ve worked with how the digital spaces [are] deeply affecting our collective and mental, emotional and physical health.
“And obviously a huge congratulations to you and the outcome of your research, which has created a parent-led movement, which is astonishing and much needed.” At this point, Meghan jumped in and added: “And that we’re proud to be a part of.”
The Duke of Sussex replied: “Yeah, hugely.” He continued: “And the insights have been incredibly valuable over the years for our work with parents who have lost their children to online harms. And working towards solutions to keep all children safe.”
American presenter Gayle King led conversation with the two authors, before welcoming celebrity guest appearances, including Harry and Meghan. King gushed over the couple, who she described twice as “my favourite Duke and Duchess”.
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The royal couple have spoken often about the negative impacts of social media and online spaces, and launched The Parents’ Network in 2024, bringing together families affected by social media-related suicide or online harm to their children.
The network was the result of a two-year pilot programme and gives support to parents in the UK, US and Canada. Later during the online event, Harry asked: ‘Can you speak to how the phone-based childhood, as you call it, affects kids’ emotional development and what families can do to support healthier patterns?’
Author of The Anxious Generation Mr Haidt responded: ‘Kids need to play. All mammals play and once they get the device it’s going to push out everything else.
Source: Mirror
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