Inside Meghan and Harry’s Approach to Raising Kids in a Screen-Obsessed World
Meghan and Harry are once again using their platform to shine a light on an issue that is deeply personal to them. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a surprise joint appearance this week, drawing attention to the challenges modern families face in an increasingly digital world.
During the conversation, the couple spoke openly about parenting, setting healthy boundaries with technology, and the importance of being fully present with their children. They emphasized why mindful connection at home matters now more than ever, especially as screens continue to play a growing role in everyday life.
Read on to learn how the Sussexes are setting digital boundaries with their children and why their message resonates with families everywhere.
A Surprise Appearance for a Cause That Hits Home
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made an unexpected virtual appearance at an Oprah book launch event hosted by Gayle King on Wednesday, January 7. The couple joined authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price to discuss their latest book, The Amazing Generation. The conversation centered on the growing impact of smartphones on children and families, a topic the Sussexes have long been passionate about.
The book is described as a guide for helping kids live joyful and fulfilling lives without being consumed by screens. That mission resonated deeply with Meghan and Harry, who have spent years advocating for online safety and healthier digital habits through their Archewell Philanthropies.
Prince Harry praised the authors for their work and the movement it has inspired. “Over the years, we’ve worked with how the digital spaces [are] deeply affecting our collective and mental, emotional, and physical health,” he shared. “Obviously, a huge congratulations to you and the outcome of your research, which has created a parent-led movement, which is astonishing and much needed.”
Meghan echoed his sentiments and expressed pride in being part of the effort to protect families and children.
Parenting Archie and Lilibet With Intention
While the event focused on digital wellness, Meghan offered a rare glimpse into how she and Harry approach the topic at home with their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.
She explained how some of the book’s ideas have already influenced their family life. “You were saying, you cannot replace the feeling of a deep, guttural belly laugh. An emoji laugh is not the same physiological response that we need, that our kids need,” Meghan said.
She went on to describe how encouraging real-world play benefits everyone in the family. “What I love is that the more that we encourage our children to do this, we mimic those same behaviors. We also start to play, and we also start to be more present.”
Her words struck a chord with parents who are trying to balance busy schedules, constant notifications, and meaningful family time.
Why Online Safety Remains a Core Mission
For Prince Harry, the issue goes far beyond screen time rules. He spoke about the heartbreaking stories he and Meghan have encountered through their advocacy work. “The insights have been incredibly valuable over the years for our work with parents who have lost their children to online harms, and [our work] working towards solutions to keep all children safe.”
Their commitment has led to initiatives like The Parents’ Network, a branch of Archewell focused on supporting families impacted by online dangers and mental health struggles linked to social media.
In April 2025, the organization launched The Lost Screen Memorial in New York City. The installation featured 50 smartphones, each displaying the photo of a child who died young due to the harmful effects of social media. The powerful exhibit drew attention to the real-world consequences of unchecked digital exposure.
Families Finding Strength Through Community
Lori Schott, a member of The Parents’ Network, shared her experience after losing her daughter Anna. She described the support she found through the organization as life-changing.
“When we lost Anna, there was no light in the darkness. When TPN came along, it gave me a community to share all those thoughts and feelings, and to realize I wasn’t alone,” she said. “Even five years later, I still lean on members of the network on angelversaries, on birthdays. It’s a back-and-forth conversation that I don’t think will ever go away.”
She also explained how attending the Lost Screen Memorial helped her husband open up. “For my husband, until we went to the launch of the Lost Screen Memorial in NYC, he kept everything inside. When we saw the other families, and he sat down in those conversations, something opened up for him, and he found his voice as an advocate, just as I have.”
Speaking as Parents First
Meghan and Harry previously discussed these concerns during an interview with CBS’s Sunday Morning in August 2024. Meghan admitted that even though Archie and Lilibet are still young, online safety is always on her mind.
“All you want to do as parents is protect them. So as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good,” she said.
Harry added a powerful reminder for families everywhere. “At this point, we’ve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder.”
Meghan agreed, emphasizing that parenthood changes how you view the issue. “If you look at it through the lens as a parent, there’s no way to see that any other way than to try to find a solution.”
A Message That Resonates Beyond Royalty
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s latest appearance may have been brief, but its message was clear. Being present, protecting children, and setting boundaries around technology are responsibilities shared by all parents.
By speaking openly about their own family and the lessons they are learning along the way, the Sussexes continue to spark meaningful conversations that reach far beyond their own home.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or emotional distress, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support anytime.
Summary:
- Meghan and Harry made a surprise virtual appearance at an Oprah-hosted book launch event on January 7.
- The couple joined authors Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price to discuss their book The Amazing Generation.
- The book focuses on reducing smartphone overuse and encouraging real world connection for children.
- Meghan and Harry shared how they apply healthy digital habits at home with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
- Meghan emphasized the importance of real laughter, play, and being fully present as a family.
- Prince Harry highlighted the emotional impact of online harms on families that they have worked with.
- The Duke and Duchess continue to advocate for online safety through Archewell and The Parents’ Network.
- Their Lost Screen Memorial installation honored children affected by harmful social media exposure.
- Parents involved in The Parents’ Network described the community as healing and life-changing.
- Meghan and Harry stress that online safety is an urgent issue for all parents, not just public figures.
