DEVICES ARE BLAMED ON DISCONNECT

Princess' essay blasts impact of too much screentime

- BY JENNIFER NEWTON

THE Princess of Wales has warned too much screentime is creating an “epidemic of disconnection” and harming family life.

Kate is urging people to “invest in the relationships you have with each other”.

She believes social and emotional development in early childhood profoundly influences us as adults.

The princess, who joined a group of children for a messy play session, spoke out about modern technology in an essay written in collaboration with Prof Robert Waldinger, director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development.

It says: “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.

“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.