As Princess Kate and Prince William raise their children in the digital age, their former royal aide, Jason Knauf, has shed light on their concerns about technology’s impact on young minds.
Speaking on 60 Minutes Australia, Jason reflected on Prince William’s own experience growing up under media scrutiny. “His childhood in front of the cameras was challenging at times,” he shared. “And he knew he would have to navigate raising his own children in a world dominated by social media and mobile phones.”
“I definitely saw the worried mum and dad behind the scenes, though much less in recent years, which has been great for them as a family,” he added.
The royal couple have spoken openly about the challenges posed by digital devices and their potential effects on children. In 2018, during a visit to the BBC, Prince William voiced his concerns, stating: “I saw my friends and peers worrying about the risks of the powerful tools we were handing our children.”
“For too many families, phones and social media have disrupted the sanctuary of home life. As we tried to navigate this, there was a noticeable lack of clear guidance,” he continued.
He also questioned the responsibilities of parents in the digital world: “Should we monitor our children’s messages? Should they be allowed to have devices in their rooms? Who do we turn to when bullying occurs? We were making up the rules as we went along.”
William’s visit followed his efforts with the Taskforce on the Prevention of Cyberbullying, where he called on tech companies to take greater action in safeguarding children online.
“Surely, you can work alongside parents to create a safe space for children to explore, make friends, and learn,” the father-of-three urged. “You can prioritize the well-being of children and parents while still keeping shareholders happy. We not only want you to succeed—we need you to.”
Days later, during an interview on Channel 5 News, William admitted: “We still haven’t figured out the right balance for screen time. It’s a tricky and ever-evolving issue.”
“We’re constantly discussing how to manage this within our own family—how to set boundaries and ensure quality time together, free from screens,” he added.
