The Duke of Sussex says he and Meghan Markle plan to delay social media access for their children
Prince Harry is taking a page from his brother’s parenting playbook when it comes to managing screen time.
During a conversation with comedian Hasan Minhaj on October 29, the Duke of Sussex spoke about how he and Meghan Markle approach technology with their children, Archie and Lilibet. The couple, who have long voiced concerns about social media’s impact on young people through their Parents’ Network, are cautious about when their children will get phones.
“[Meghan and I] talk about it a lot. Because of what we know now, we’ll be much more hesitant to let our kids have social media,” Harry explained. “Having a phone can be important, but the moment you give them access to everything else — kids will be kids.”
His thoughts align closely with Prince William’s stance. The Prince of Wales recently revealed that he and Catherine have a strict rule for their children: no phones yet. “None of our children have phones, which we’re very strict about,” William said during an appearance on The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy. Instead, their children spend time outdoors, enjoying activities like trampoline jumping and netball.
Harry added that while the internet is a part of modern life, it poses challenges for parents trying to keep their children safe. “Gone are the days of knowing your kids are safe just because they’re under your roof,” he said. “They could be in their room scrolling and be in a dark place.”
As for a solution, Harry suggested giving children simple “old-school phones” until they’re mature enough to handle smartphones. “Once your brain is properly formed and you’re starting to learn who you are,” he said, “that’s when it’s time.”
