Kate Middleton is right — screen time is ruining our kids

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2d ago 27:07

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The Princess of Wales has added her prominent voice to the urgent discussion around kids and their cellphones.

In an essay co-authored by a Harvard Medical School professor, Kate warns that smartphones and other digital devices are responsible for an “epidemic of disconnection” that threatens the development of young children.

“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,” reads the essay, published by the Royal Foundation's Centre for Early Childhood.

Kate’s essay comes amid mounting evidence of the harms associated with cellphone use by kids, including increased anxiety and depression, loneliness and suicidal thoughts.

“Data from Ontario now indicates that over one in four teens now report being in serious psychological distress, which is pretty alarming,” says Sachin Maharaj, a University of Ottawa education professor who researches the impact of cellphones in schools. “And the number of kids reporting poor or fair mental health has more than tripled over the past 15 years, and there's a lot of reason to suggest that increased time on social media is contributing to this.”

On tonight’s episode of Closer Look, we revisit Maharaj’s interview on our podcast — including the important role parents play in limiting their children’s screen time.

Hosted by Village Media’s Michael Friscolanti and Scott Sexsmith, and produced by Derek Turner, Closer Look is a new daily podcast that goes way beyond the headlines with insightful, in-depth conversations featuring our reporters and editors, leading experts, key stakeholders and big newsmakers.

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