Lilibet and Archie ‘encouraged to laugh’ as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make parenting admission

“You were saying, you cannot replace the feeling of a deep, guttural belly laugh. An emoji laugh is not the same physiological response that we need, that our kids need,” Meghan said during the virtual discussion.

She added: “What I love is that the more that we encourage our children to do this, we mimic those same behaviours. We also start to play, and we also start to be more present.”

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The couple spoke with Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, authors of The Amazing Generation, a guide designed to help families resist digital overconsumption and encourage children to engage with the real world.

Gayle King hosted the event, which also featured appearances from comedian Amy Schumer and influencer Tinx.

The book addresses how excessive screen time affects children’s wellbeing, a subject the Sussexes have championed for several years through their philanthropic work.

The Duke of Sussex described the authors’ work as “incredibly valuable,” highlighting how their findings have contributed to a growing movement among parents.

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“Obviously, a huge congratulations to you and the outcome of your research, which has created a parent-led movement, which is astonishing and much needed,” Harry, 41, told Mr Haidt and Ms Price.

He noted that the couple had spent years examining how digital environments affect “our collective and mental, emotional and physical health.”

Meghan, 44, expressed that they were “proud to be a part” of the initiative tackling the dangers children face from excessive screen time.

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The Sussexes’ commitment to online safety extends beyond public appearances, with their Archewell Philanthropies establishing The Parents’ Network to support families affected by digital harms.

In April 2025, the organisation unveiled The Lost Screen Memorial in New York City, an installation comprising 50 smartphones displaying photographs of children who lost their lives due to harmful social media effects.

Harry emphasised the personal significance of their advocacy work, stating: “The insights have been incredibly valuable over the years for our work with parents who have lost their children to online harms, and working towards solutions to keep all children safe.”