Overview

• Published by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, the essay titled “The Power of Human Connection in a Distracted World” argues that growing dependence on digital devices fuels an epidemic of disconnection.
• The authors contend that warm, loving relationships are the most effective investment for long-term health and happiness, with modern life eroding the attention such relationships require.
• They say smartphones, tablets and computers fragment focus and withdraw the undivided attention that children especially need for healthy social and emotional development.
• Kensington Palace describes the intervention as translating science into practical support, aligning with the Centre’s recent tools such as short animated films launched over the summer.
• The Princess is set to visit Home-Start Oxford today to meet families using the films, as recent comments from Prince William highlighted the couple’s strict approach of not giving their children mobile phones.