Prince Harry expressed concern about the negative impact smartphones have on today’s young people in a conversation with Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10.
In a video published by Fortune Well, the 40-year-old Duke of Sussex started the conversation by claiming that “smartphones are, in many cases, robbing young people of their childhoods,” and that children have a hard time responding to these ubiquitous devices. It has drawn attention to the increasing dependence on
Despite the harsh nature of his comments, social psychologist Haidt agreed with Prince Harry’s observations. He points out that as the post-1995 generation in English-speaking countries enters adolescence, they are experiencing increased levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, which may be related to their interaction with smartphones. People magazine reported that there is a sex.
Harry also stressed the importance of holding those involved to account for the issue, highlighting the widespread belief that “social media companies are blaming parents” for the growing mental health crisis among young people. I objected to the fact that He highlighted the blame-shifting tactics of these companies, but companies often counter that: ”.
Mr. Hite quickly disputed this idea, saying, “If some parents get this wrong and most parents get it right, I would very much accept that argument. “When children acquire phones and social media, the rest of their family life turns into a battle over screen time, and this is happening everywhere,” reports the Mirror.
“Technology companies have put us in a corner, and they’re trying to blame us for what they’ve done,” he continued.
Despite smartphones’ drawbacks, many parents appreciate the sense of security they get from giving their children a mobile phone, as it provides a means of contacting them in the event of an emergency at school. Prince Harry insisted.
Haidt further advised, “Give them a phone, but don’t give them a supercomputer that connects everyone in the world.”
Prince Harry, father of two young children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, also believes that many young people consider platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat to be an important way to connect with their peers. However, Haidt dismissed this idea as a “myth.” .
“I think this study is very clear: When kids have a best friend, or especially a small group.” [of friends]“They usually do well,” Hite explained. “If the kids don’t have close friends or a close group, it’s much less likely to work out. If you have 300 connections, you don’t have time for anyone.”
“This year, 2024, is the turning point. Terrible things have happened to our children. We are seeing it now… We don’t want to blame the parents. We are 10 years old. We didn’t know this before,” Hite concluded.
The debate comes just a month after Prince Harry highlighted the dangers of social media and children’s online content consumption for the Clinton Foundation.
Appearing on CBS Sunday Morning to discuss the Archewell Foundation’s work highlighting the risks posed by social media, Meghan echoed her husband’s concerns.
She said: “Our kids are young. They’re 3 and 5. They’re great. But all you want to do as a parent is protect them. See what’s happening in the online space “There’s a lot of work to do there, and we’re just happy to be part of the eternal change.”
Harry added: “We’re at a point now where almost every parent has to become a first responder. And even the best first responders in the world can recognize the signs of potential suicide. You won’t be able to figure it out. That’s the scary part.”
