Overview

• Catherine published “The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World” on the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood website on Thursday.
• The essay argues that smartphones, tablets and computers have become constant distractions that fragment attention and erode relationships.
• It emphasizes neuroscience showing the first years of life are crucial for brain development and that young children especially need focused adult presence.
• The authors describe people being physically together yet mentally elsewhere as thoughts scatter across apps, notifications and feeds.
• Public engagement included a visit to an Oxford charity and media comments, alongside recent reports of Prince William saying their children do not have phones.