Prince Harry says 'smartphones are stealing children's childhood' in warning

ok.co.uk:

Prince Harry has opened up about his worries regarding the impact of smartphones on today's youth during a chat with Jonathan Haidt, author of 'The Anxious Generation,' in observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10.

In a video released by Fortune Well, the 40 year old Duke of Sussex kicked off their discussion by claiming that "in many cases, the smartphone is stealing young people's childhood," pointing out the increasing reliance children have on these devices.

Jonathan concurred with Prince Harry's viewpoint and noted that post-1995 generations in English-speaking countries are entering puberty facing heightened levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts due to their smartphone use, as reported by PEOPLE.

Harry further emphasized the importance of holding the right parties accountable, challenging the widespread belief that "social media companies point the finger at parents" for the escalating mental health issues among the young, quoting companies that argue: "Well, you know, this is down to you.This is down to your parenting." Jonathan was quick to dismiss the idea that parents were solely to blame for their children's screen time, stating: "If there were some parents who were getting this wrong and most parents were getting it right, then I'd be very receptive to that argument," he said. "But once kids get a phone and social media, the rest of family life turns into a fight over screen time.