Phones creating 'epidemic of disconnection' in families, says Kate

The Princess of Wales has said smartphones and computer screens create "an epidemic of disconnection" within families.

Kate's words - in an essay co-written with a Harvard professor - come ahead of a visit to Oxford to highlight her work on early years education and support. In the piece, she says that "while new technology has many benefits, we must also acknowledge that it plays a complex and often troubling role in this epidemic of disconnection".

"While digital devices promise to keep us connected, they frequently do the opposite," writes the princess. "Our smartphones, tablets, and computers have become sources of constant distraction, fragmenting our focus and preventing us from giving others the undivided attention that relationships require." Emphasising how she believes technology can interfere in family life, she adds: "We sit together in the same room while our minds are scattered across dozens of apps, notifications, and feeds.

"We're physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us. "This technological interference strikes at something fundamental: our undivided attention is the most precious gift we can give another person.

Yet, increasingly, it's the most difficult gift to offer." The Prince and Princess of Wales have previously spoken about the potentially harmful effects of social media. In a recent interview, Prince William revealed that their three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, currently don't have mobile phones, and that they try to have dinner together.

Kate's essay, titled The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World, was released by her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood and written in collaboration with Professor Robert Waldinger. Read more from Sky News:William hints at 'changes' to come when he is kingWilliam says he misses late Queen and Prince Philip Kate first met the Harvard academic in 2022 and he's worked closely with the Royal Foundation ever since.

"We live increasingly lonelier lives, which research shows is toxic to human health, and it's our young people (aged 16 to 24) that report being the loneliest of all, the very generation that should be forming the relationships that will sustain them throughout life," write the princess and the professor. Later today, the princess will visit Home‑Start Oxford to meet volunteers and families, and talk about how they are using resources and films produced by the Centre for Early Childhood to help parents and children..