Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are already discussing a cautious and hesitant approach to introducing phones and social media to their young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, emphasizing the importance of ‘old-school’ devices for contact while advocating for a societal shift to protect children from online harms.
In an increasingly digital world, parents face unique challenges in navigating screen time and social media access for their children. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are no exception, openly discussing their plans for when their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, inevitably ask for phones.
During a surprise appearance on the “Hasan Minhaj Doesn’t Know” podcast, released October 29, 2025, Prince Harry shared insights into his and Meghan’s proactive approach to this modern parenting dilemma. The Duke of Sussex, 41, emphasized that he and his wife talk “a lot” about the issue, particularly given their heightened awareness of online harms.
The Sussexes’ Cautious Approach to Digital Devices
The Duke highlighted their intent to be significantly more cautious when introducing technology to their children. “We will be way more cautious and hesitant of allowing our kids to have access to social media,” Prince Harry stated, acknowledging the complexities many parents face without full awareness of the dangers, as reported by People. He underscored the dual nature of phones: a crucial tool for contact, but also a “gateway to everything else.”
Minhaj, a fellow father, prompted Harry on the challenges parents face as children approach ages 8, 9, or 10. The Duke conceded that many parents and children feel they lack a choice in the matter, creating an “opt-in” culture for social media. This is especially true when distinguishing between a basic “old-school phone” for communication and a “smartphone” that opens the door to countless applications.
Addressing the Social Media Dilemma and Bullying
Prince Harry voiced a significant concern: the social pressure children face if they are excluded from online platforms. He pointed out that children whose parents restrict access to apps like Instagram and Snapchat often “get bullied at school because they’re the only person not on the platform.” This highlights the difficult tightrope parents must walk between protection and social integration for their children.
He advocated for a fundamental shift in the digital landscape. “Our goal has to be to make sure that when our children get to that age, that the situation now isn’t the situation then. There’s no reason why it should be,” he explained, hoping for a future where parents do not have to contend with these dilemmas, as also covered by AOL.
Age Recommendations and Corporate Influence
When asked about a sensible age for social media access, Harry suggested, “Once your brain is properly formed. Once you are starting to learn who you are.” He then elaborated, “Twenty-one is a sensible age, but the companies won’t ever allow that. They will throw tens of millions of dollars to lobby against that.” This candid assessment points to the systemic challenges in regulating tech giants’ influence on children’s digital lives.
The Archewell Foundation’s Commitment to Online Safety
The Sussexes’ strong stance on online safety is not new; it is a core pillar of their charitable Archewell Foundation. In 2023, they launched “The Parents’ Network,” an initiative dedicated to supporting parents and caregivers whose children have been impacted by social media harms. This includes families who have tragically lost a child due to online dangers.
Their tireless efforts in this sector were recently recognized when Prince Harry and Meghan received the Humanitarians of the Year Award at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala, highlighting their commitment to advocating for a safer digital world for all children.
A United Royal Front on Screen Time
Interestingly, Prince Harry’s views echo those of his brother, Prince William. The Prince of Wales recently shared his own family’s approach during an October 3 episode of “The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy.” Prince William revealed that he and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, are “very strict” about their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—not having phones.
“None of our children have any phones, which we’re very strict about,” People reported William stating, emphasizing the importance of family conversation during dinner. This consistent stance from both royal households underscores a shared concern for protecting their children from the potential pitfalls of early and unrestricted access to digital technology.
A Call for Broader Change
Ultimately, Prince Harry’s discussion goes beyond individual parenting choices, serving as a broader call to action for society and tech companies. He believes there are “evil, wicked people at the heart of this who want to farm our children’s mindset and market it for themselves,” urging individuals to “snap out of” the social media bubble and acknowledge the realities of AI and social media’s impact.
The conversation initiated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex resonates with countless parents globally, advocating for a future where children’s digital well-being is prioritized over platform engagement, ensuring that when Archie and Lilibet come of age, the digital landscape is far safer and more ethically managed.
