The Princess of Wales has warned that current generations are suffering from an 'epidemic of disconnection' caused by an overload of smartphones and computer screens. In an essay co-authored with Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, Kate wrote that the promises of smartphones to improve connectivity have fallen short, as the explosion of handheld devices has disrupted family life.
Smartphones and gadgets have become a 'constant distraction, fragmenting our focus', she wrote, adding: 'While digital devices promise to keep us connected, they frequently do the opposite.' The essay, titled 'The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World', was published on the website of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
Kate argued that research evidence shows the importance of creating healthy and warm relationships within families, with lifelong benefits. However, the presence of smartphones and heavy social media use has meant that people are feeling more lonely and isolated, while families are not giving each other adequate attention.
'The answer begins with recognising that attention is something we can choose to give each other in every moment – at home, at work, in our communities,' she wrote. 'It requires conscious effort to be fully present with the people we care about. It means protecting sacred spaces for genuine connection: family dinners, conversations, moments of genuine eye contact and engaged listening.'
She added that for parents, it is paramount to model the behaviour of avoiding spending too much time using smartphones. The essay was published ahead of a visit by Kate to an early years centre in Oxford on Thursday. Her husband, Prince William, has also recently said that none of their three children are allowed to have smartphones.
