In a move highlighting their ongoing advocacy for child welfare, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, made an unexpected virtual appearance at a significant literary event hosted by their close friend, Oprah Winfrey.
Virtual Appearance for a Vital Cause
The LA-based couple joined the hour-long launch for An Amazing Generation, a children's adaptation of the global bestseller The Anxious Generation, via a video link. The event was organised by Oprah Daily and presented by broadcaster Gayle King. Their participation centred on a cause they have passionately championed: the profound impact of smartphones and social media on young people's mental health and development.
In a clip shared on Oprah Daily's Instagram titled “The Hidden Cost of Phone-Based Childhoods,” Prince Harry directly addressed the book's authors, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt and writer Catherine Price. He thanked them for their work, stating, “Over the years, we’ve worked with you on how the digital space is deeply affecting our collective mental, emotional and physical health.”
Harry praised their research for sparking a “parent-led movement” which he called “astonishing and much needed.” Meghan Markle echoed this sentiment, expressing that they were “proud” to be part of the growing effort.
Focus on Real-World Harms and Human Connection
The Prince then connected the authors' insights to the couple's own philanthropic work, noting its value for “our work with parents who’ve lost children to online harms.” He emphasised their mission to work “towards solutions to keep all children safe.” Harry posed a crucial question to Haidt and Price: what can families do to foster healthier habits away from screens?
Jonathan Haidt's response was unequivocal: “Kids need to play. All mammals play. And once they get the device, it’s going to push out everything else.” Catherine Price warned of emerging risks, including children forming “relationships” with AI chatbots. She stressed, “We need to help our kids develop human skills and human relationships,” identifying these as the cornerstone of a meaningful life.
The event also featured comedian Amy Schumer, who shared her personal approach to limiting screen time for her five-year-old son, Gene. She revealed she only allows YouTube during haircuts and never lets him play on her phone, prioritising play-based learning instead.
A Long-Standing Advocacy and Nod to Australian Policy
This is not a new issue for the Sussexes. They first entered the campaign for children's online safety in 2024 with the launch of The Parents’ Network, a platform for families affected by social media-related harm or suicide. Their commitment was further highlighted in October last year when they accepted the Humanitarians of the Year award at the 2025 World Mental Health Day Gala.
During that emotional speech, Meghan referenced their own children, Archie and Lilibet, aged six and four, as inspiration. “Like so many parents, we think constantly about how to embrace technology’s benefits while safeguarding against its dangers,” she said, noting the difficulty of that balance.
Prince Harry framed the issue as “one of the most pressing issues of our time,” calling for collective action. The couple have since publicly praised the Australian government’s decision to ban social media for children under the age of 16, aligning with their global advocacy for stronger digital protections for the young.
Through their Archewell Foundation, Harry and Meghan continue to position themselves at the forefront of a critical conversation about childhood in the digital age, leveraging their platform to push for tangible change and support for families worldwide.
