Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has issued a heartfelt warning about the impact of technology on family life in her recent essay, “The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World.” Published on Thursday, the piece emphasizes the growing epidemic of disconnection among children and families due to constant digital distractions.
In her essay, Catherine, a mother of three, reflects on how modern technology has created a paradox where society is more ‘connected’ than ever yet increasingly isolated. In her plea, she laments that due to tech, kids are missing foundational human experiences that are crucial to their development. Catherine joined forces with Professor Robert Waldinger, psychiatrist and director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development. Together, they shed light on these urgent challenges.
In 2021, the Princess established The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. She was driven by her commitment to serving young children and their need for supportive environments to address their developmental needs. Her essay aims to inform parents and caregivers about the dangers posed by digital devices and social media to children’s well-being.
Catherine’s visit to Home-Start Oxford. She walked with volunteers, she talked with families, and she confirmed for me her commitment to relationship building. She spoke about the need for quality time with the family. That’s why she and Prince William chose to not give their own children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7 – smartphones.
Catherine stated, “When we check our phones during conversations, scroll through social media during family dinners, or respond to e-mails while playing with our children, we’re not just being distracted. We are withdrawing the basic form of love that human connection requires.” This mighty quote quickly sums up her deep desire for authentic connection in a world filled with technology and social media.
In her essay, Catherine was able to speak more generally about the impact of technology on our children’s future. She warned, “We’re raising a generation that may be more ‘connected’ than any in history while simultaneously being more isolated, more lonely, and less equipped to form the warm, meaningful relationships that research tells us are the foundation of a healthy life.”
Catherine’s insights extend beyond her written work. In a recent episode featuring actor Eugene Levy on the Apple TV+ series “The Reluctant Traveler,” she told him that it was this human connection that mattered most. As she said, “We get to sit down and talk, that’s critical.” This philosophy shines through in her family’s culture of making shared meals a priority and setting aside quality time.
