Prince Harry, who has been a prominent advocate for mental health issues, particularly among men, is now addressing a complex challenge: the impact of social media on young people. During a recent discussion with social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, Harry emphasized that smartphones are, in many instances, depriving youth of a proper childhood.
Haidt agrees, noting that adolescents who reached puberty after 1995, predominantly Generation Z, have experienced rising rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide—coinciding with the advent of smartphones around 2010 to 2012. He believes this trend is directly linked to the proliferation of smartphones, which provide instant access to numerous distractions and pressures.
The conversation between Harry and Haidt was part of Harry’s Archewell Foundation 2024 Insight Sessions, where they focus on the influence of technology on mental health, featuring insights from young people.
One critical point raised by Haidt relates to parenting in the digital age. He expressed concern that while parents are overly protective in the physical world, they are not doing enough to safeguard their children online. He advocates for policies such as delaying smartphone use until high school and prohibiting social media use until age 16, emphasizing the need for children to engage in independent play and outdoor activities.
Haidt dismissed the notion that parents alone are responsible for children’s struggles with technology. He argued that once children have smartphones, family dynamics often devolve into disputes over screen time. He questioned why parents allow their young children to have smartphones, attributing it largely to social pressure.
Harry highlighted the safety argument some parents use to justify giving their children phones at a younger age. While these parents see it as a way to ensure their kids can reach them in emergencies, Haidt pointed out that providing a smartphone is different from giving them a simpler device for communication. He noted that previous generations managed with basic flip phones without the same level of distraction and detriment to their childhood experiences.
The conversation also touched on the notion that social media can offer support to marginalized youth. However, Haidt dismissed claims made by Meta that social media acts as a lifeline for these individuals. He suggested that while the internet was beneficial in the past for facilitating connections, the current algorithm-driven nature of social media does not adequately serve their needs. He pointed out the negative implications of having numerous social media connections without the depth of real friendships, which significantly affects young people’s overall well-being.