The Duchess of Sussex and the Princess of Wales share heartfelt concerns about children’s well-being in today’s digital world.
Meghan Markle has spoken about her children, Archie and Lilibet, following an emotional message from Catherine that urged society to act now to protect young minds.
On October 9, Meghan and Harry attended Project Healthy Minds’ annual gala in New York City to mark World Mental Health Day. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were honoured as Humanitarians of the Year for their work raising awareness of the risks posed by the online world and promoting safer digital spaces for families.
During her speech, Meghan reflected on the challenges modern parents face. “Our children, Archie and Lilibet, are just 6 and 4 years old. Can you believe it?” she said. “Luckily, they’re still too young for social media, but we know that day is coming.” She continued, “Like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against its dangers. And that hopeful intention of separation is rapidly becoming impossible.”
Her comments echoed the message recently shared by Catherine, who also highlighted the effects of excessive screen time on children’s emotional and social development. In her essay, The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World, written with Harvard psychiatry professor Robert Waldinger, she warned about the growing disconnect caused by constant phone use.
“When we check our phones during conversations, scroll through social media during family dinners, or respond to emails while playing with our children, we’re not just being distracted—we are withdrawing the basic form of love that human connection requires,” Catherine wrote.
Though their approaches differ, both Meghan and Catherine appear united in their concern for the next generation, calling for renewed focus on protecting children’s mental health and nurturing real human connection in an increasingly digital age.
