It comes hours after the Princess published an article in which she warned parents over the dangers of using devices at home.
The essay, written in collaboration with Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, was published today on the website of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. Children’s mental health and wellbeing has become a pillar of Kate Middleton’s royal work as she champions the importance of early years development.
‘When we check our phones during conversations, scroll through social media during family dinners, or respond to e-mails while playing with our children, we’re not just being distracted, we are withdrawing the basic form of love that human connection requires,’ Kate writes in the piece.
She explains the contradiction at the heart of smart devices, saying they are designed to encourage connectivity but ‘frequently do the opposite’. Pointing to research evidence, the Princess of Wales says creating health and nurturing relationships within families and between loved ones has lifelong health benefits.
But it is more than just an intellectual exercise for the Princess of Wales. Prince William has recently revealed that none of their children is allowed a smart phone as they encourage quality, screen-free family time at home.