Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Princess of Wales has warned of an "epidemic of disconnection" stemming from an overload of smartphones and computer screens. In an essay co-authored with Harvard Professor Robert Waldinger, she argues that smartphones disrupt family life, causing mental absence and fragmenting focus. Catherine states that checking phones during conversations or family dinners withdraws the "basic form of love that human connection requires". She urges parents to prioritise conscious effort in being present, protecting "sacred spaces" for genuine connection, and modelling appropriate behaviour for their children. The essay, published on the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood website, precedes her visit to an early years centre, and follows Prince William's recent comment that their children are not allowed smartphones. In fullPrincess of Wales says UK suffering from smartphone ‘disconnection’ epidemicThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Kate pens an essay on the problem with smartphones
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe Princess of Wales has warned of an "epidemic of disconnection" stemming from an overload of smartphones and computer screens. In an essay co-authored with Harvard Professor Robert Waldinger, she argues that smartphones disrupt family life, causing mental absence and fragmenting focus. Catherine states that checking phones during conversations or family dinners withdraws the "basic form of love that human connection requires". She urges parents to prioritise conscious effort in being present, protecting "sacred spaces" for genuine connection, and modelling appropriate behaviour for their children. The essay, published on the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood website, precedes her visit to an early years centre, and follows Prince William's recent comment that their children are not allowed smartphones. In fullPrincess of Wales says UK suffering from smartphone ‘disconnection’ epidemicThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
