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The Princess of Wales touched a few nerves this week when she warned that smartphones and computer screens were creating “an epidemic of disconnection” within families.
In an essay co-authored by a Harvard professor, Kate wrote: “We’re raising a generation that may be more ‘connected’ than any in history while simultaneously being more isolated, more lonely, and less equipped to form the warm, meaningful relationships that research tells us are the foundation of a healthy life.”
Her words caused ripples on social media, with parents arguing about whether screentime – the amount of time spent using screen-based technology daily – is actually harmful for children.
But what does the science say?
Is screentime actually harmful for children?
Evidence on whether screentime is actually harmful for children is inconsistent, with researchers showing that while screentime and its alleged negative impacts on children could be related, there is no undisputable evidence that it causes them.
Concerns have centred around findings that the wellbeing and mental health of children and young people has declined in recent years with NHS Digital data showing that 18% of those aged 7 to 16 years had a probable mental health disorder in 2022 compared with 9.7% in 1999, the Education Committee reported in May 2024.
Debate has been widespread as to the causes of this, with social media and smartphone use being one of the drivers, according to a 2025 University of Manchester study.
As the debate as raged, several MPs have said a ban on smartphones for under-16s should be considered.
Pic: iStock
The Education Committee’s report on the…
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